SAFETY TIPS AND EVENTS

SEATTLE - The Coast Guard is reminding mariners and recreational boaters to avoid approaching large passenger vessels (LPV), such as cruise ships and Washington State Ferries, whether these vessels are underway, moored or at anchor.

An LPV is defined as any cruise ship, auto ferry or passenger ferry over 100 feet in length, carrying paying passengers. This includes Washington State Ferries and Alaskan Marine Highway ferries. The security zone enforced by the Coast Guard is a 500 yard radius around all LPV's and are necessary to enhance public and maritime safety. These safety and security zones are in effect at all times whether or not the Coast Guard is present.

Specifically the Code of Federal Regulations states that:

When within a large passenger vessel security and safety zone all vessels must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course and must proceed as directed by the on-scene official patrol or large passenger vessel master. No vessel or person is allowed within 100 yards of a large passenger vessel that is underway or at anchor, unless authorized by the on-scene official patrol or large passenger vessel master. No vessel or person is allowed within 25 yards of a large passenger vessel that is moored.

To request authorization to operate within 100 yards of a large passenger vessel that is underway or at anchor, contact the on-scene official patrol or large passenger vessel master on VHF-FM channel 16 or 13.

There are exceptions to this rule which are outlined in the full regulatory text, found in Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 165.1317 and is available at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/08aug20051500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2005/julqtr/33cfr165.1317.htm

For further questions or assistance please contact Lieutenant James Dupureur of Coast Guard Sector Seattle at 206-217-6138.

###
Coast Guard, saving lives since 1790.

View this document online
U.S. Coast Guard - 13th District
13th District Public Information Site

Around 5:30PM Saturday August 11th a visiting rental kayaker, Vishal Bhagt, 30, of Seattle, drowned in Port Townsend Bay. According to the August 15th Port Townsend Leader article, the double kayak was inexplicably capsized and Bhagt and his companion spent approximately one hour in the water before being rescued by the crew of the ferry KLICKITAT. By spooky coincidence, the August 16th edition of the The Stranger, the Seattle weekly newspaper, ran an article by Charles Mudede called Killer Bodies: Death in Seattle's Watery Parts. Quoting a Seattle Harbor Patrol officer, Mudede writes "There are more drowning accidents in Seattle than in most other cities because, as the second officer pointed out, Seattle is the boating capital of America, 'More boats per person here than anywhere else.'" A follow-up post to the The Stranger's website by 'Rain Monkey' August 16th offers a sobering first person account of our visiting kayaker's drowning:

Last week, I was fishing from a pier in Port Townsend. The ferry to Whidbey Island came and went on a regular pattern all day. Nice people in rented kayaks went by all day and asked how my luck was. Not much luck, I told the people in the kayaks, I had caught the biggest starfish I'd ever seen in my crab net, but that wasn't what I'd come for, so I threw it back, I told them.

Late in the day, as I was packing up about six, the ferry looked funny. It wasn't doing what it had been doing all day. It seemed stalled in the water and drifting. I heard sirens. The cops by the police station in town had binoculars on the ferry. I had binoculars in the truck, and when I looked, all the people on the ferry were looking into the water from the deck. I couldn't see what was up, but something had gone wrong for sure.

I saw the bright orange zodiac from the ferry racing at top speed for the marina, an attractive woman ferry worker at the wheel.

A rescue unit and aid car came to the marina as a second small boat came racing from the ferry to shore.

The paramedics lifted a body, completely limp and soaked, onto a gurney and hustled the victim to the aid car. They closed the door on the aid car, which seemed to be rocking with the motion of CPR. The second victim in the second boat was conscious and talking to the paramedics.

About then a car drove up and some nice looking people got out, dressed in their summer clothes. They seemed to be looking, increasingly frantically, to be reassured that their loved ones were okay. They found the one the dock, talking to the paramedics. They went to the other aid car, with the closed doors. The cop at the back of the car would not let them in, and seemed to be speaking grimly.

The family was clearly not reassured about their loved one in the aid car.

After the flashing lights left the scene, and the ferry got back to the dock, the orange zodiac returned to it, with the hard working bosun looking tired.

A rescue boat dragged a shiny, bright yellow kayak to the beach, empty.

Picture yourself as one of these two friends out for a two hour rental kayak trip. Somehow you find yourself capsized off Ft Worden in freezing cold waters, rapidly going hypothermic, clinging in shock, disbelief and growing panic to each other and an overturned rental kayak that is drifting with the afternoon west wind and flood current further away from shore. You exhaust yourselves trying to re-enter the flooded kayak trying various strategies but its difficult and you can't manage it. You scream to people for help who are still within sight fishing or walking on the Ft Worden beach and you are under the direct gaze of waterfront houses along the Port Townsend shoreline but no one comes to rescue you as you grow numb and tired beyond all your previous life experience. Finally you succumb and despite wearing a lifejacket you turn face down your unconscious body breathing in the cold salt water and you drown with two minutes to the horror of your still living, watching, but too weak to continue helping friend. Finally your hysterical vacationing family receives your drowned body on the Port Townsend waterfront.

This is a sickening and frightening tragedy that we as members of the nations leading boater education and safety organization are sworn to work to prevent. Yes, I strongly believe through boater education and training drowning, even this drowning, can be prevented. But it will take action on all of our part. Consider taking some of your boating friends as your guests to one of our squadron's weekend America's Boating courses this year and volunteering in other ways to support the squadron's other boating safety and public education efforts. These were beginning kayakers boating in unfamiliar and sometimes challenging waters. Maybe we need to add a kayak and canoe safety course to our local spring and summer public service offerings. Why did it take an hour and a ferry boat to rescue these men? Maybe we can work together with Jefferson Fire and Rescue as volunteers or fundraisers to help better staff their boat so that the boat can be out on patrol like a neighborhood police car at least during the busy summer boating months. Can we somehow coordinate with PT Outdoors, our local kayak rental company, to randomly send out squadron member/volunteers with some PT Outdoors customers and groups? What equipment or training can we provide to PT Outdoors and other local kayakers and small rowing and sailing craft that might help prevent another drowning in Port Townsend waters? In short instead of spending time blaming others for this tragedy or just forgetting about it, what can we do to be part of the solution?

To that end I am reprinting the following message from Jefferson County Public Health's website:

Jefferson County Public Health wants to remind you about the dangers of drowning and to take care this summer when enjoying swimming at the lake, at the beaches, and in the backyard. The World Congress on Drowning reports that 500,000 people worldwide die from drowning every year, and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported 104 unintentional drowning deaths in Washington State in 2005. The rates of drowning in Washington State have declined over the years, but are still higher than the national average. According to the National Safety Council, one drowning death can be associated with up to $3 million in total costs.

DOH reports that the populations at highest risk for drowning are young children under the age of five, males (especially those between 15 to 24 and those 65 and older), people with seizure disorders, and people who cannot swim. Drowning of children younger than five most often occurs in swimming pools and bathtubs.

There are many opportunities for enjoying the water recreationally in our county, but in most of these swimming areas, the water is cold. Lakes and rivers are particularly dangerous in May and early June because of the cold temperatures and because rivers are high and swift from spring run off. Cold and swift water easily overwhelms even the strongest swimmers.

One of the risk factors for drowning is hypothermia. Hypothermia may develop within minutes of being exposed to cold water or it may take several hours, depending on the water temperature, but it doesn't have to be icy cold to cause hypothermia.

Hypothermia usually comes on gradually and often people are not aware that they need medical attention. Common signs to look for are shivering; slurred speech; abnormally slow rate of breathing; cold, pale skin; and fatigue, lethargy, or apathy. These behaviors may be a result of changes in consciousness and motor coordination caused by hypothermia. The severity of hypothermia can vary, depending on how low your core body temperature goes. Severe hypothermia will eventually lead to cardiac and respiratory failure, then death.

Seek immediate medical care for any person who has been exposed to cold water and is showing signs of hypothermia. Try to keep the person warm and dry until help arrives, preferably indoors or at least out of the wind.

Use caution and common sense when young children are playing near water and assign water watchers to supervise. Kayakers and canoeists also need to be prepared for swift water. Rafting can be dangerous, and should only be done with a professional company. If you want to swim in the spring, swim in a pool that has lifeguards.

Remember that drowning is completely preventable. The best ways to prevent drownings are:
o Know the water - Washington State waters are cold enough to cause hypothermia even on the hottest summer day; hypothermia can weaken even the strongest swimmer.
o Know your limits - drowning often happens when a person tires while swimming.
o Wear a life jacket - when swimming anywhere without lifeguards or whenever you boat, jet ski, tubing, or do other water sports. By law, children ages 12 or younger must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket or vest on all vessels 18 feet or shorter.
o Always avoid alcohol when swimming or boating.
o Keep children within immediate reach when you are near any type of water.

Jefferson County Environmental Health staff monitors water quality at pools, spas, and recreational swimming areas all over the county to ensure a safe and healthy swimming experience for residents and visitors to Jefferson County.

Albert Foster
Safety Officer
Pt Wilson Sail and Power Squadron
August 2007

NOW HEAR THIS! Plastic gas cans that have a nozzle that stows inside the can - can give you a big problem.

Warning!
Do not leave the can in the hot sun. Evaporating gas can cause pressure to build
up and blow the gasket seal and pump the gas over board.
"Fortunately I discovered mine before a spark did." Courtesy of Ken Shaver.

1. A mishap is any unplanned, unexpected, or undesirable event causing injury, occupational illness, death, or property damage. To minimize the chance that we will be involved in a mishap this summer, each of us must take responsibility for identifying and managing the risks inherent in our summertime activities. By anticipating the unexpected, and having a plan on how we will manage changing conditions, we can greatly reduce the likelihood that a mishap will occur. Use the following safety information to help identify potential risks you may face this summer.

2. Heat injuries. Be aware of the dangers associated with heat exposure and take steps to protect yourself.

A. Heat cramps. These painful cramps occur when the body loses large amounts of salt, minerals, and fluid. Large muscles such as the legs, arms, and abdomen are particularly susceptible. Heat cramps can occur alone or can be accompanied by heat exhaustion. The body temperature is usually normal. Prevention: take frequent breaks and drink fluids. First aid: replacement of electrolytes and fluids is a primary concern. Do not give salt tablets to persons with high blood pressure. Salt from a normal diet is sufficient. Drink plenty of fluid and eat foods rich in potassium.

B. Heat exhaustion. With heat exhaustion, the victim sweats profusely, feels weak and nauseated, and sometimes will vomit. The skin is cool, moist, and pale. Body temperature may be slightly elevated. Prevention: reduce workload, drink plenty of fluid and take breaks. First aid: take the victim to a shady area and have him/her drink plenty of water to cool the body.

C. Heat stroke. Heat stroke results when the body loses control of its thermo-regulatory mechanism, and the main avenue of heat loss (cooling by evaporation of sweat) is blocked. Body temperature may rise in excess of 106 degrees. This is a life-threatening emergency. The individual stops sweating, the pulse is weak and rapid, the skin is hot and dry, and the victim can go into convulsions or lose consciousness. Prevention: follow the same preventive measures for heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Be wary of the signs and symptoms as the onset of heatstroke is sudden. First aid: get medical assistance as soon as possible. Immediately cool the body. Take the individual to shade, loosen clothing, wet the victims skin and fan them. In extreme cases, use an ice bath if available or immerse the victim in cool water to reduce core temperature. One attack of heat stroke predisposes a person to a second attack, so avoid subsequent exposures.

3. Insect-borne disease prevention. During warmer months, insects capable of transmitting disease are more active. The following guidance can help to protect you against insect-borne diseases.

A. Ticks. Ticks can carry diseases such as lyme disease, rocky mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. Ticks are typically not found in well-manicured lawns, but in tall grasses or brush. Avoid these areas and use insect repellents to reduce your risk of disease. Wear light colored clothing (allows you to see ticks crawling) and tuck pants into boots in areas where ticks are present. After returning from tick-infested areas, check all body parts for ticks using a hand-held or full length mirror (especially the groin, armpit, behind the knees and in head hair). To remove ticks safely, use fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick as the mouthparts could break off and remain in the skin (if so, remove the mouthparts with tweezers). Do not squeeze, crush or puncture the body of the tick. After removing the tick, disinfect the bite site and wash hands with soap and water. Save the tick to assist medical personnel in identification should illness occur.

B. Mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as west nile virus, st louis encephalitis, eastern equine encephalitis, dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever. The risk of these diseases can be significantly reduced by eliminating mosquito breeding areas. Drain all standing water, naturally occurring or manmade. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Use insect repellents to reduce your risk of disease.

C. For more information on rocky mountain spotted fever, lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, west nile virus, dengue fever, malaria, st louis encephalitis, and yellow fever, see the following website:

http://www.Cdc.Gov/ncidod/diseases/index.Htm

4. Insect repellents and insecticides. The most effective insect repellent ingredient is commonly known as deet. Products containing 30 to 35 percent deet offer the best protection with the lowest possibility of side effects. Rarely, some people may have adverse reactions to deet. Since very young children are more vulnerable, adults should apply deet-containing repellent to children. Don't apply deet to infants less than 2 months old. Be aware that deet can also dissolve plastics such as watch crystals and eyeglass lenses. Deet containing insect repellent is available in the stock system (6840-01-284-3982).

5. Weather safety. Thunderstorms can feature winds that can exceed 100 mph and rival the damage caused by a tornado. Flash flooding, the number one cause of deaths associated with thunderstorms, killed more than 76 people in 2006. Tornados can produce winds in excess of 250 mph and stay on the ground for 50 miles. Tornados caused 67 fatalities and 898 injuries in 2006, and lightning resulted in 47 fatalities and 246 injuries. Early warning is the key to implementing risk mitigation strategies related to weather. Whenever your plans will take you outdoors, review the forecast beforehand and take a weather radio with you to obtain information on changing weather or approaching storms. More information can be found at:

http://www.Weather.Gov/os/hazstats.Shtml

6. Sun exposure. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (uv) radiation, which can cause premature aging, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer, including melanoma. The american cancer society estimates that more than one million americans get skin cancer each year, leading to over 12,000 deaths. Protect yourself by limiting exposure between 1000 and 1600. If you must be out, wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and a wide brim hat, or use sunscreens with a skin protection factor (spf) of 15 or higher. Apply sunscreens 30 minutes before going out into the sun, ensure all exposed skin is covered and reapply periodically. Wear uv-absorbent sunglasses, and remember, sunlight reflected by water and sand exposes you to greater uv rays. More information can be found at:

http://www.Cdc.Gov/cancer/skin/

7. Food borne illness. Be cautious about food preparation and handling. Clean - wash hands and food preparation surfaces often. Separate - avoid cross contamination of cooked and uncooked food during preparation, grilling and serving - this is a prime cause of food borne illness. Cook - to ensure that harmful bacteria is killed, use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to the proper temperature when using a grill. Chill - keep cold foods cold. Meats and salads should be kept in an insulated cooler packed with several inches of ice. Keep coolers out of vehicle trunks and store in a shaded area. Replenish ice in coolers frequently to keep the temperature range constant. Put leftover perishables back on ice once you finish eating so they dont spoil. More information can be found at:

http://www.Cdc.Gov/foodsafety/

8. Commanding officers and officers-in-charge are encouraged to share this information with unit personnel at all-hands safety briefings, and with family members through the best available means. Take the time to impress upon all members of your immediate cg family that there are very few "unique" or "new" types of mishaps, but without appropriate risk management on and off duty, it is easy to have many "new victims". Additional summer safety information can be found at:

http://www.Uscg.Mil/hq/g-w/g-wk/wks/rec_safety.Htm.

More information about the "critical days of summer" can be found at:

http://www.Safetycenter.Navy.Mil/seasonal/criticaldays/default.Htm.

9. Comdt (cg-1132) poc is mr. Bert davis, 202-475-2504

10. Internet release authorized.

11. Radm mark j. Tedesco, director of health and safety, sends.

True this might not be of a big concern to many boaters but could for
those towing larger boats with the bigger rigs.

Article courtesy of MARY ANN MERRILL

Lexington, KY (Oct. 22, 2007) - Catalytic converters are being stolen from vehicles across the country, and USRider warns horse owners and others who regularly haul animals to be on guard.

"This is especially relevant to our members who drive heavy-duty trucks," said Mark Cole, managing member of USRider. "With a truck or SUV's high ground clearance, the thief doesn't need jack up the vehicle. The thief can simply crawl under the truck and remove the catalytic converter in short order."

First widely introduced on series-production automobiles in the U.S. market for the 1975 model year, the job of the catalytic converter is to reduce harmful emissions from the exhaust of a combustion engine.

Police suspect that the increase in catalytic converter thefts is due to The valuable metals inside, which can be sold for scrap. A catalytic converter can be sold for an average of $100 at the scrap yard.

However, it will cost the victim a lot more to have the part replaced. The average converter on a car can run anywhere between $400 and $1,500. This price increases on catalytic converters for trucks. For example, on one of the most popular tow vehicles - the Ford F350 - the suggested retail price on the catalytic converter for the 6.0 liter diesel engine is nearly $900 and averages $1,100 for the 5.4 liter gasoline version, plus installation.

While the expenses for replacing a stolen catalytic converter might be covered by insurance, the owner would still be responsible for out-of-pocket costs due to deductibles.

"While we have not heard of any instances of catalytic converters being stolen from our members, owners of these vehicles should take precautions," said Cole. "For safety reasons, we recommend that folks perform a quick safety check of their trailer each time they stop. This involves inspecting tires, double-checking hitch, breakaway battery, safety chain, and latched doors, and making sure horses are properly tied. A safety check is especially important if the trailer and tow vehicle have been left unattended before getting back on the road. To discourage anyone from tampering with the vehicle or trailer, it makes sense to park in a highly visible area that is well lit and can be kept in sight," Cole added.

Now, with the theft of catalytic converters occurring, Cole also advises drivers to take additional precautions whenever they park their tow vehicle, even when they are not trailering their horses.

With an annual fee comparable to that of other roadside assistance programs, USRider offers the typical flat-tire repair, battery assistance and lock-out services, plus benefits designed with horse owners in mind, including towing and roadside repairs for tow vehicles and trailers with horses, emergency stabling, veterinary referrals and more.

For more information about USRider and additional safety tips, visit the USRider website at