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SBSO PROMOTES BOATING SAFETY
As summer fishing and boating season gets underway across St. Bernard Parish waterways, Sheriff James Pohlmann is reminding residents to make safety a priority before heading out on the water.
“With more people spending time boating and fishing during the summer months and holiday weekends, it’s important for everyone to slow down, stay alert and follow basic boating safety rules,” Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Operate with caution, pay attention to your surroundings and never take unnecessary risks on the water.”
The Sheriff encourages all boaters and passengers to wear properly fitted personal flotation devices, or life jackets, while on board. Louisiana law requires children 16 and under to wear a life jacket whenever they are on a vessel less than 26 feet long, and officials strongly recommend adults wear them as well.
Capt. Brian Clark, who supervises the SBSO Marine Division and is a retired Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent, said wearing a life jacket can save lives.
“Drowning remains one of the leading causes of boating fatalities,” Capt. Clark said. “Today’s flotation devices are lightweight, comfortable and easy to wear.”
Sheriff Pohlmann also reminds residents that boating while impaired is both dangerous and illegal. Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to arrest, just like impaired driving on roadways.
According to national boating safety statistics, alcohol remains a leading factor in fatal boating crashes, while many accidents involve operators who have never completed a boating safety course.
Capt. Clark said the SBSO Marine Division responds to numerous calls each year involving stranded boaters due to mechanical problems, dead batteries, running aground, fuel issues and changing weather conditions.
Before heading out, Capt. Clark recommends checking equipment and making sure boats are stocked with important safety items such as a fire extinguisher, flashlight, first aid kit, charged cell phone, drinking water and a throwable flotation device. He also encourages boaters to let someone know where they are launching from, where they plan to travel and when they expect to return.
“A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to boating safety,” Capt. Clark said.
According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, anyone born after Jan. 1, 1984, must complete an approved boating education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower or a personal watercraft unless accompanied by a properly certified adult. Operators of personal watercraft also must be at least 16 years old and carry proof of course completion while on the water.
Residents interested in taking a free boating education course can find more information through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/boater-education.
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