Row, Row, Row Your Boat….Safely

by Carol Grinage, American Red Cross volunteer contributor

With summer right around the corner, many people have vacations that involve activities on the water. One summer activity that many people love is boating; however, this fun activity requires precautions. 

Since it's National Safe Boating Week, before you go out in a boat, please keep the following safe boating tips in mind:

• Learn to swim. If you plan on spending time on a boat, it is essential that you learn to swim. The Red Cross offers swim classes that will fit your schedule.
• Wear a life jacket. Regardless of whether you know how to swim, a life jacket is essential. Why? You may sustain an injury or be knocked unconscious, and in these cases, a life jacket could save your life. Also, many great swimmers cannot battle the forces of the waves or the cool water temperatures, and again, a life jacket could save lives.
• Take a boating course. Most people don’t think about boating courses, but these courses teach you the rules of navigation, the effects of wind and weather, and emergency safety procedures. You can find boating classes through the National Safe Boating Council.
• Remember Operation Dry Water – don’t drink and boat. Alcohol is responsible for 17% of boating fatalities, making it the number one cause of boating deaths. Drinking while boating is just as dangerous as drinking while driving, and the you could receive a BUI (Boating Under the Influence).
• Have a float plan. What is a float plan? It is a plan that you leave someone who is not going boating with you that tells where you will be boating, who is on the boat, a description of your boat, and when you will return. This is detailed information in case you don’t return within a designated time frame and the person who holds the plan must contact authorities to find you. 

These tips aren’t meant to put a damper on your summer activities; instead, these tips are to help you make sure your fun summer activities stay fun. Have a happy summer and safe boating!

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Safety Tips for Dad

by Natalie Horn, volunteer contributor

Every Father’s Day, families come together to celebrate their dear old dads who have sacrificed so much to raise the next generation great of Americans. Whatever you did to honor Dad this Father’s Day--be it a backyard barbeque, home improvement project or fun-filled day on the water--here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

For Grill Master Dad:

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay if father to Sophie, 17.

Your dad may not possess the same culinary expertise as Bobby Flay, but chances are he grills a mean burger. If your dad fancies himself a grill master, be sure he follows basic grill safety. Only use charcoal and propane grills when outdoors and place them far away from the home, deck railings or any overhanging branches. Always keep children and pets away from the grill area and never leave your grill unattended. 

For Do-It-Yourself Dad:

Matt Muenster of DIY Network's 'Bath Crashers' has 2 children

Has your dad been watching too much DIY Network or HGTV? Does he have a grand vision to transform the garage into a fully functioning man cave, complete with a custom built entertainment center? Whatever Dad’s latest project is, it’s important that the whole family be prepared to administer basic first aid, because accidents happen - especially when power tools are involved!

Download the Red Cross First Aid app for simple step-by-step instructions to guide you through everyday first aid scenarios. The app is available free for iPhone and Android devices, and gives you instant access to the information you need to know to handle the most common first aid emergencies without even needing a data connection!

For Captain Dad:

Mark Wahlberg, Hollywood actor & father of four,
starred in the 200 disaster film 'A Perfect Storm.'
He probably should have worn a life vest.

A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for! If it's ships ahoy for your dad this summer, it’s imperative that all aboard observe boat safety.

Boaters should always wear life jackets on the water, most importantly children under 13 and non-swimmers. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the majority of drowning fatalities occur because the victim was not wearing a life jacket. Also, never consume alcohol while operating a boat or any motor-vehicle as it can impair your judgment and coordination. Visit the RedCross.org to enroll in a CPR training course today.

We all love Dad, so let’s keep him around for a few more years. Urge him and the rest of the family to be prepared for anything. For the latest first aid and CPR training class schedule, visit RedCross.org.

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