CLEVELAND — Memorial Day weekend is the traditional kickoff to sailing season, and the U.S. Coast Guard wants people to take a moment and reflect on boating behaviors before casting off this spring.
Steven Homsher does more than just pilot boats as a Boatswain’s Mate Third Class in the U.S. Coast Guard. This year, like every year, he’s helping his crew and other water-enthusiasts celebrate National Safe Boating Week by spreading knowledge of necessary safety precautions.
“Always have your life jackets with you, that’s always number one,” Homsher said. “You can’t really legally be on the water without them anyway, and have all your safety equipment with you. Make sure it’s all up to date. If it’s expired or if it’s gone bad, just replace it.”
The U.S. Coast Guard reports that boating-related injuries and deaths are declining, but are still a significant issue, especially in the summer.
There were nearly 4,000 boating incidents and 564 deaths in 2023, with alcohol continuing to be the leading factor in all fatal boating accidents. That’s why, Homsher said, it’s important to stay hydrated and think ahead before setting sail.
“It’s making sure you’ve got gas, you’ve got a plan afloat,” he said. “Plans are really important. I think that’s a new thing that we’re trying to say a whole lot more. So like, know where you’re going, who you’re taking with you, what you’re doing [and] where you’re going to go.”
This year, Homsher said, they’re playing close attention to a specific safety feature.
“There’s an emergency kill switch… for all boats manufactured after January 2020 that are under 26 feet,” Homsher said. “So if for some reason you fall off your boat or you step too far back, you lose control or whatever, it pulls that switch and shuts your boat off.”
