July 29th, 2015
NEW ORLEANS, LA.
The Coast Guard urges anyone going out on the Mississippi River to understand the risks associated with high water and strong currents.
Higher than average water levels create very strong and swift currents, which result in large amounts of debris, and can lead to dangerous situations on the Mississippi River.
The stronger than normal currents can create rips and eddies in places where they might not have been before, which can pull a boat or a person into a dangerous situation very quickly.
The easiest safety measure anyone can take is to always wear a lifejacket when operating on or around the river. Boaters should double-check that required equipment such as visual and audio distress signals, personal flotation devices and a fire extinguisher are present and in working condition, and never boat under the influence of alcohol.
For more safe boating information, please visit USCGBoating.
Recreational Boaters
Each year hundreds of lives are lost... thousands are injured... and millions of dollars of property damage occurs because of preventable recreational boating accidents on U.S. waterways. Too often pleasure outings turn tragic. You — as a boat operator, passenger, or concerned individual — can make a difference.
Vessel Safety Check
Learn how a free vessel safety check can help you navigate through problem situations.Boating Safety Courses
Operator errors account for 70% of boating accidents — take a course.Going Paddling – Know your limits!
Whether you are sea-kayaking, standup paddle-boarding, canoeing, or kayaking, check out these safety tips from the American Canoe Association.Carbon Monoxide
Educate yourself about this potentially lethal boating danger.BUI Initiatives
The risk is high and the consequences severe — know the dangers and avoid being a victim of BUI.Life Jacket Wear/Wearing your Life Jacket
The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of over 80 percent of boating fatality victims.As a boat operator, you're in command of the safety of your passengers. But accidents can, and do happen with terrifying speed on the water. There's rarely time to reach stowed life jackets.
The U.S. Coast Guard challenges you and your passengers to wear your life jacket all the time while underway.
Float Planning
Why should you take the time to prepare a float planω The answer is simple... there are just too many facts that need to be accurately remembered and ultimately conveyed in an emergency situation.Accident Reporting
The U.S. Coast Guard hopes that you’re never involved in a boating accident.But Federal Law requires you as the operator to file a boating accident report with your State reporting authority if you are.