Docks with Bad Wiring Continue to Prove Deadly

New Electric Shock Drowning Resource Center at BoatUS.com

"Tragic Deaths Were Preventable" - What You Need to Know

 

Last year over Fourth of July weekend, Alexandra Anderson, 13, and her brother, Brayden Anderson, eight, were swimming near a homeowner's dock on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri when they started to scream. By the time the siblings were pulled from the lake, they were unresponsive and a short while later were pronounced dead. Two hours later on Cherokee Lake in Tennessee, 10-year-old Noah Winstead, died in a similar manner, while Noah's friend, 11-year-old Nate Parker Lynam, passed away the following evening. These were not drowning victims. In all four of these cases, 120-volt AC (alternating current) leakage from nearby boats or docks electrocuted or incapacitated swimmers in freshwater. This little-known and often-unidentified killer is called Electric Shock Drowning or ESD.

"Every one of these deaths was preventable," said Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) Director of Technical Services Beth Leonard. "Any boater and every adult who swims in a freshwater lake needs to understand how ESD happens, how to stop it from happening, and what to do - and not to do - if they ever have to help a victim." To help them with this vital task, BoatUS has put together a new online Electric Shock Drowning Resource Center to educate and inform the public about ESD at BoatUS.com/seaworthy/ESD.asp, and offers helpful tips below.

"An effort to increase safety standards on marina docks has been underway for several years now, but few resources have been available for the general public," said Leonard. "ESD is a complicated subject, and what information has been available for boaters, private dock owners, and swimmers has, all too often, been inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading. Our Electric Shock Drowning Resource Center addresses this problem with a range of helpful articles and presentations, all of which have been vetted for technical accuracy. We'll continue to add to and update this material to ensure it remains a valuable source of information," she added.
So what should boat owners, private dock owners, and swimmers do to prevent ESD?

Electric Shock Drowning: What You Need to Know From BoatUS

A diagram of how Electric Shock Drowning occurs.
(Courtesy of David Rifkin. This image available at: BoatUS.com/pressroom/previewimg/hires/esd.jpg)

IN GENERAL:

• Tell others about ESD. Most people have never heard of it and are unaware of the danger.
• To retrieve a person in the water, reach, throw, and row - but don't go.
• Make sure your children understand the importance of not swimming anywhere there could be electricity. Don't let them roughhouse on docks. Tell them what to do if they feel a tingling or shock in the water (see below).
• ESD victims are good candidates for successful Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Learn to perform CPR and maintain your training.

IN MARINAS:

• NEVER swim within 100 yards of any freshwater marina or boatyard.
• Talk to marina owners or operators about the danger of ESD. Ask your marina operator to prohibit swimming at their facility and post signs.
• Ask marina operators if they are aware of and follow the guidelines in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 303 (fire protection standard for marinas and boatyards) and National Electric Code (NEC) 555.

IF YOU HAVE A BOAT:

• Have your boat tested once a year to see if it is leaking electricity, or buy a clamp meter and test it yourself. If you find any problems, have your boat inspected by a qualified electrician trained to American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards.
• Have a qualified ABYC electrician install an Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter (ELCI) on your boat (refer them to the ABYC E-11 Standard) or use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in the shore power cord. As an alternative, install an isolation transformer on the boat.
• Test the GFCI/ELCI at least once a month or per the manufacturer's specifications.
• Do NOT do your own 120-volt AC electrical work on a boat or hire an electrician who is not familiar with ABYC standards to do it. Many of the problems that lead to an electrical fault on the boat result from the differences between shore and boat electrical systems and standards.
• DO NOT use common household extension cords for providing shore power to your boat. Use, and encourage other boaters to use, shore power cords built to UL standards, ideally with a GFCI built in.
• NEVER dive on your boat to work on underwater fittings when it is plugged in to shore power, even in saltwater.

IF YOU HAVE A PRIVATE DOCK:

• NEVER swim within 100 yards of ANY dock using electrical power!
• If you have not electrified your dock or put an AC system on your boat, weigh the risks carefully before doing so.
• If you need electricity on your dock, hire a licensed electrician and make sure the wiring meets the requirements in NFPA 303 and NEC 555. If your dock is already wired, hire an electrician to check that it was done properly. Because docks are exposed to the elements, their electrical systems should be inspected at least once a year.
• Exercise your GFCIs/ELCIs as recommended by the manufacturer.
• If you normally run a power cord from your house or garage to charge your batteries, make sure the outlet has a GFCI and include a GFCI somewhere in the shore power cord.
• NEVER swim off your dock without shutting down all shore power to the boat and the dock.
• Even if you adhere to all of these rules, nearby docks can still present a shock hazard. Educate your neighbors and work together with them to make the waterfront safe.

IF YOU'RE IN THE WATER AND YOU FEEL TINGLING OR SHOCKS:

• DO NOT follow your instinct to swim toward the dock!
• SHOUT! When electricity is not involved, drowning victims cannot speak, let alone shout. Tell those around you exactly what you're feeling so they can help you while keeping themselves safe.
• Try to stay upright and back out of the area the way you came, warn any other swimmers in the area of the danger, and then head for shore 100 yards or more from the dock.
• Alert the dock or marina owner and tell them to shut the power off to the dock until they locate the problem and correct it.
• Go to the hospital, explain what happened, and ask to be checked over to be sure there are no adverse health effects.

IF YOU HAVE TO RESCUE AN ESD VICTIM:

• Know how to distinguish drowning from ESD (drowning victims cannot speak and look as if they are trying to climb a ladder; screaming, shouting and tingling, numbness, or pain indicate ESD).
• Fight the instinct to enter the water - many rescuers have died trying to help ESD victims.
• Call for help. Use 911 or VHF Channel 16 as appropriate.
• Turn off the shore power connection at the meter base and/or unplug shore power cords.
• Get the victim out of the water. Remember to reach, throw, row - but don't go.
• If the person is not breathing or you cannot get a pulse, perform CPR until the Fire Department, Coast Guard, or ambulance arrives.

 

Top 5 Ramp Etiquette Rules for Happy Launching

Impolite, self-centered behavior could well describe a kindergarten sandbox at recess, but it also fits the description of the mayhem that some boat launch ramps experience on a busy summer weekend. If America's famed etiquette expert, Miss Manners, were to visit a launch ramp, what lack of courtesy would she find? Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has the answer with these top five launch ramp etiquette rules that can make the task go a lot easier and faster for all. 

Be talkative: The most surefire way to cause ramp snafus is to be silent with your guests. Speak up. Let them know they should avoid parking in spaces reserved for trailers/tow vehicles. Tell them how you will load and unload (more on that in a second). Before your return to the launch ramp dock, let your crew know what they can do to help. One more friendly tip: don't yell. 

Know where to load and unload: Unloading your gear at the bottom of the boat launch ramp, which could have been done while waiting in line at the top of the boat ramp, shows a lack of courtesy Miss Manners would detest. It also is an all-too-common mistake boaters make when launching and one of the biggest causes of delays. Plan ahead. Put a checklist on your sun visor. 

Don't be the launch ramp hog: Tying up your boat at the launch dock right next to the ramp, and then going to park the tow vehicle means the next person in line can't launch until you get back. Save everyone time by immediately moving your boat to the far end of the dock so there's room for the next person to launch or retrieve. 

Delay-of-launch penalty: Not launching the boat immediately when it's off the trailer and, instead, waiting for the crew to return from the bathrooms again adds delays and simmers tempers. This is true at the gas dock, too. Tie up at the dock, refuel the boat, and leave as quickly and safely as possible. Don't keep others waiting to refuel because your crew has walked to a nearby restaurant - that earns you a serious "delay-of-launch" penalty. 

Lend a hand: We all need help from time to time. Be kind to your boating neighbor.

About the BoatUS Trailer Assist: 

BoatUS - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with a wide array of consumer services, including roadside "Trailer Assist" just for trailer boaters that provides 24/7 roadside assistance for trailer breakdowns and tow vehicles. Also included is an online launch ramp locator, two special editions of BoatUS Trailering magazine and six E-editions containing great solutions from the "Trailering Guys," valuable seasonal maintenance tips, useful trailering techniques and new product and destination reviews and more. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com/towing/trailerabout.asp or call 800-245-6923

Annual List of Top Ten Boat Names

Boat Owners Association of The United States' 23rd Annual List of Top Ten Boat Names is:

1. Island Time 2. Seas the Day 3. It's About Time 4. Liberty 5. Serendipity

6. Second Wind 7. Dolce Vita 8. Aquaholic 9. The Good Life 10. Nauti Buoy

More Than $14 Million Awarded In Clean Vessel Act Grants

Funding supports clean waters and recreational boating

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced today that more than $14.7 million will be awarded to 23 states under the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) grant program in 2013.

The first Clean Vessel Act awards were made in 1993. Since that time the Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program has awarded more than $200 million to states for projects funding construction, replacement, renovation, and maintenance of facilities that assist recreational boaters in properly disposing of on-board septic waste.  The program also provides information and education on the importance, benefits, and availability of pump outs.

“Clean Vessel Act grants are essential to ensure clean water and healthy environments that allow for recreational boating opportunities,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “The CVA program has a substantial economic impact on local communities, which is a win-win situation for conservation initiatives and businesses across America.”

Funds for the CVA program are provided annually from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust fund.  These funds are derived through the collection of fishing tackle manufacturer excise taxes and boat and fishing import duties as well as motorboat and small engine fuel taxes.  The program supports the user-pay, public-benefit cycle that has led to the successes of the Sport Fish Restoration programs. States apply for CVA funding and they or their partners provide matching funds to complete projects. Sub-grantees often include local municipalities and private marinas.

In addition to traditional on-dock pump outs, projects include pumpout boats that travel in designated harbors to make the sewage collection process more efficient and convenient. Some states  also install floating restrooms in areas where boaters congregate and no restrooms are available.

"The Clean Vessel Act is a critical tool in helping the states to maintain clean and healthy waters for people and wildlife alike," said Assistant Director Hannibal Bolton of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. "The pump outs built through these funds ensure that clean drinking water, sustainable ecosystems, and healthy recreational areas will be accessible to the American people."

For more information on the 2013 grant awards made today visit: 
http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/CVA/CVA2013Funding.pdf

For more information on the CVA program visit:
http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/CVA/CVA.htm

 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Awards more than $13 Million in Grants to Boost Recreational Boating

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced more than $11.2 million in competitive grants to 15 states for projects to support recreational boating through the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program.  The Fish and Wildlife Service will also release approximately $2.4 million to 25 states, commonwealths, and territories willing to match a smaller, non-competitive grant program known as “BIG Tier 1” funding.
 
Grantees use Boating Infrastructure Grant funds to construct, renovate, and maintain facilities with features for transient boats (those staying 10 days or less) that are 26 feet or more in length and used for recreation. Grantees may also use funds to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the program and recreational boating. 

“These grants, funded by fishing and boating enthusiasts, have helped communities across the nation build and enhance recreational boating facilities that provide recreational opportunities while supporting jobs and economic growth,” said Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe.  “This program is a win-win situation for recreational boaters, conservation initiatives and job creation.” 

“The BIG Grants have major impacts – not only do cruising boaters get the benefit of facilities that they help to pay for, waterfront communities and their small businesses also get an economic boost from visitors who enjoy boating,” said Thom Dammrich, chairman of the Sport Fish and Boating Partnership Council and president of the National Marine Manufacturers’ Association. 

For example, a BIG grant of nearly $1.5 million, matched with nearly $1 million in non-federal funding, will enable the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to partner with the Bucks County Riverfront Program to install 25 new day slips on the Delaware River between Philadelphia and Trenton, New Jersey. The ADA-compliant project, part of a larger effort to improve the waterfront in Bristol Borough, will also include new educational signage, lighting, and breakwater structures to protect the facility. 

And in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a grant of nearly $1.3 million, matched by nearly $3.9 million in non-federal funding from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the City of Chattanooga, will go toward the construction or extension of guest dockage at four prominent locations along the south shore of the Tennessee River. Each location will include up to 10 slips, for a total of 40 new slips for eligible vessels. 

Funding for the Boating Infrastructure Grant program comes from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, formerly known as the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, which boaters and manufacturers support through excise and other taxes on certain fishing and boating equipment and gasoline. 

Projects receiving competitive grants are:

• Shoal Bay Marina Redevelopment, Logan County, Ark. – BIG grant: $1,215,841; non-Federal match: $721,175; total project cost: $1,937,016
• City of Rio Vista Guest Dock, Rio Vista, Calif. – BIG grant: $225,000; non-Federal match: $75,000; total project cost: $300,000
• Thamesport Marina Transient Docks, New London, Conn. – BIG grant: $1,430,975; non-Federal match: $502,775; total project cost: $1,933,750
• Gulfport Casino Dock Redevelopment, Gulfport, Fla. – BIG grant: $112,613; non-Federal match: $268,137; total project cost: $380,750
• Madeira Beach Municipal Marina Redevelopment, Madeira Beach, Fla. – BIG grant: $322,516; non-Federal match: $499,550; total project cost: $822,066
• Lahaina Roadstead Offshore Mooring Installation, Lahaina, Hawaii – BIG grant: $248,500; non-Federal match: $248,500; total project cost: $497,000
• Belfast Harbor Waterfront Rehabilitation, Belfast, Maine – BIG grant: $120,897; non-Federal match: $120,897; total project cost: $241,795
• Annapolis City Dock Improvement, Annapolis, Md. – BIG grant: $1,500,000; non-Federal match: $2,703,478; total project cost: $4,203,478
• Seaport Landing Marina Transient Boat Access, Lynn, Mass. – BIG grant: $267,700; non-Federal match: $100,000; total project cost: $367,700
• Port Austin State Harbor Dock Renovation, Port Austin, Mich. – BIG grant: $747,250; non-Federal match: $747,250; total project cost: $1,494,500
• Ironton Riverfront Boat Ramp and Docks, Ironton, Ohio – BIG grant: $636,000; non-Federal match: $212,634; total project cost: $848,634
• Port of Arlington Marine Fuel Station and Utility Upgrade, Arlington, Ore. – BIG grant: $190,191; non-Federal match: $129,809; total project cost: $320,000
• Bristol Borough Waterfront Improvement, Bristol, Pa. – BIG grant: $1,492,195; non-Federal match: $999,355; total project cost: $2,491,550
• Ann Street Public Pier Project, Newport, R.I. – BIG grant: $740,000; non-Federal match: $260,000; total project cost: $1,000,000
• Downtown Chattanooga Transient Docks, Chattanooga, Tenn. – BIG grant: $1,285,868; non-Federal match: $3,857,607; total project cost: $5,143,475
• Deltaville Marina Transient Pier, Deltaville, Va. – BIG grant: $743,891; non-Federal match: $261,367; total project cost: $1,005,258

For more information on each of the grant projects, visit http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/BIG/BIG_Funding.htm

Group With Annual Top Ten Boat Names List Asks for Help to Choose Name for Own Boat

For the nation's largest recreational boaters group with over half a million members, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) knows how difficult it can be to pick the right boat name. After all, naming or re-naming a boat often considers traditions - even superstitions. Then there is the type of name - is it a nautical theme? A play on words? A language other than English? In fact, BoatUS Boat Graphics and Lettering, which offers boaters the opportunity to design and purchase custom boat graphics online, has had over 9000 names submitted over the last two decades to help find the right choice.

But, just like most boat owners, BoatUS is having a hard time choosing a name for the recently donated BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water research and educational vessel, a 27-foot Albemarle berthed on the Chesapeake Bay. BoatUS Foundation Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner explains, "We've been debating names for weeks and getting into some pretty heated discussions, so we figured we'd call a 'time-out' and ask the public for some help."

To help with this task, boaters have until March 18 to go online to the BoatUS Foundation's Facebook page to enter a prospective name. The boat names will then be posted for just three days beginning March 20 and the name with the most votes wins. Finally, on March 27, the Foundation will post a selection of graphic layouts of the winning name - all made with the Association's online boat graphics service - for a last round of voting before the name is applied to the boat. The winning entry will receive a personalized cooler from BoatUS Boat Graphics, and all entrants will receive a 10% off coupon for custom boat graphics, registration numbers or other personalized items.

Boat Owners Association of The United States' 23rd Annual List of Top Ten Boat Names is:

1. Island Time 2. Seas the Day 3. It's About Time 4. Liberty 5. Serendipity

6. Second Wind 7. Dolce Vita 8. Aquaholic 9. The Good Life 10. Nauti Buoy

Funded primarily by BoatUS members, the BoatUS Foundation provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe. To learn more, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation.

For more information on the BoatUS Graphics service, go to BoatUS.com/boatgraphics.

Kids' Life Jacket Loaner Sites Needed - Apply Today

Largest, Longest Running Nationwide Loaner Program

The sad truth about boating and kids is that children don't always wear a correctly sized life jacket, and some kids even go without simply because of poor planning. But it doesn't have to be this way. With a life jacket loaner site in your area, boating parents can borrow a properly fitting life jacket for the day or weekend at no cost. If you operate a waterfront business, organization or government agency, you can help by applying to become a new loaner site for the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water's Life Jacket Loaner Program for Kids. 

The largest and longest running free nationwide life jacket loaner program offers a range of child and teen-sized life jackets at over 500 loaner sites nationwide. Since the program began nearly twenty years ago, at least three children's lives have been saved by wearing a BoatUS Foundation loaner life jacket and each year life jackets are loaned out over 140,000 times. The boating non-profit is looking to add at least 40 new life jacket sites this year.

There is no cost to host a loaner site, but applications will only be accepted until March 31st, 2013, and those that meet the program's guidelines will be posted to the Foundation's Facebook page for public voting. "We want applicants to help spread the word about keeping kids safe with our life jackets, and also draw positive publicity to their business or club," said Outreach Manager Alanna Keating. 

After public voting, each location that is accepted into the program will receive a life jacket loaner "kit" - a protective container that holds various sized life jackets for kids, signage, promotional materials and easy-to-use sign-out sheets to track usage. The program is simple for those hosting a location as well as for boaters, anglers and sailors needing a kid's life jacket. "All we ask for in return is that the life jackets are available for free to the boating public in a readily accessible but secure location, and hosts periodically let us know how the program is going," added Keating.

To apply or for more information on the program or the life jacket laws in your state, visit www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/LJLP.