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SBSO REMINDS RESIDENTS TO BE SAFE ON WATER
With the 🇺🇸Fourth of July approaching, summer fishing and boating has been in high gear on St. Bernard Parish waterways, and Sheriff James Pohlmann wants to remind residents to practice safety while on the water.
“There will be a lot of boats out there, especially on holiday weekends so be careful, slow down and obey the rules of boating safety,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Don’t speed and pay attention to your surroundings.”
The Sheriff said there have been three boating accidents on St. Bernard waterways in the past two weeks and he wants residents to make safety a priority so this doesn’t become a trend.
“Everyone aboard a vessel should have a life jacket available to them, and it is mandatory for anyone under the age of 17 to have it on,” he said. “They are easily available at sporting goods and department stores.”
Sheriff Pohlmann also reminds residents people can be arrested for drinking and driving on a boat, just as they would be while operating an automobile on land.
Capt. Brian Clark, a retired state Wildlife and Fisheries agent who heads the Sheriff’s Office Marine Division, said drowning remains the biggest cause of fatalities on the water and a life jacket being worn could save a life.
“Some boaters used to resist wearing them because they were bulky and made it hard to get around on a boat, but the ones made today are lightweight and easy to use,” he said.
Clark also recommends practicing the following safety tips when planning a trip on the water:
🛟Make sure safety gear is up-to-date and in good condition before taking off.
🦺Have a life jacket for each person, and bring a flotation device such as a life ring that can be thrown to aid anyone who needs help in the water.
⛈Check weather conditions before you venture out.
📱Fully charge your cell phone prior to leaving.
🗣Inform someone where you will be going, and when you expect to return.
⚠️Obey no wake zone signs and go slow in those areas.
🚤In the event of an accident, remember to use your kill switch on the motor.
🧭Know how to use your boat’s GPS to get your location coordinates for emergency responders, or know how to take a screenshot of your location on the maps app on your phone.
🥪🥤Stay properly hydrated with enough food and water.
⛑🩹Have a safety kit aboard to handle common injuries like cuts and scrapes.
🧯🔦Bring a fire extinguisher and a flashlight.
📣Bring sound signaling devices, such as a horn, air horn, or whistle and visual signaling devices, like flares or electronic flares.
☀️🕶Wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against glare.
Residents interested in taking a boating course can do so for free. Information can be found on the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries web site under the education section. Other state-approved safe boating courses can be found at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating/courses.
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