Propellers are Seriously Not Fun

PROBLEM

In 2021, there were 188 accidents in which a propeller struck at least one person. Collectively, these accidents resulted in 24 deaths and 191 injuries*. All of which could have been avoided with proper education. Obviously, a propeller is out of sight, but too often it is out of mind as well. Add to that, insufficient training on close maneuvering, inattentive passing boaters, and incorrect procedures for dealing with persons in the water, and the result can be serious injury or death.

Operators who are NOT wearing the emergency engine cut-off device … if they get thrown overboard, the boat becomes a dangerous, out-of-control weapon.

SOLUTION

First and foremost, boat operators SHOULD always use the emergency engine cut-off device. Consider it the seatbelt of your boat – something you just do.

People in the water may not be visible from the helm. Before starting your engine, walk around the boat and look in the water to make certain that no one is in the water near the boat.

Be especially alert when operating in congested areas, and take extra precautions near boats that are towing skiers or inflatables.

Never allow passengers to board or exit your boat from the water when engines are on – or idling (your propeller may continue to spin).

When recovering someone in the water, always approach from downwind (leeward) for better boat control, and on the helm side so the operator can maintain visual contact with the person in the water.

• We encourage you to fly an orange or red flag (required in some states) on your boat while maneuvering near a person in the water. This will warn other boaters to stay clear while you are in process of recovering someone.
• Next, stop the boat when the person is near the bow. Turn off your engine. Have the person use a boat ladder on the downwind side (leeward) or swim platform to get in the boat.
• Never put your boat in reverse to pick someone up out of the water, circle around again.
• You can NEVER be too cautious when recovering someone from the water.

Boating is serious fun. We’ve provided a variety of advocate tools and outreach methods, choose what works best for you and your community.

• Visit spread the word for easy outreach through personal social media outlets and boating forums.
• Provide year-round education on all boating safety topics – download pamphlets, flyers, banners, and posters. Great event materials. Search by topic in the resource section.
• Download our marketing playbook, an advocates dream resource for creating change. Find it under the Boat Live 365 topic in our resource section.
• Don’t know where to start?  Contact us. We’re happy to help.

*U.S. Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Statistics Report, 2021