Connecticut means thousands of people take to our beautiful waters in sailboats or powerboats to fish, water ski, jet ski, tube, or just enjoy themselves on board.
Last year there were 4,515 accidents in the US that involved 651 deaths, 3,000 injuries and almost $40 million dollars of property damage.
Almost three-quarters of all fatal boating accident victims drowned and 88% were reported as not wearing a life jacket.
Most notably, only 9% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had received boating safety instruction.
In recent years, Connecticut has taken steps to make boating safer for everyone.
Today you must be 16 years old and licensed to operate a boat. In addition, it is now illegal to drink alcohol and drive a boat while impaired. While these measures are well intentioned, the culture of boating is hard to change.
“We can help make our waters safer,” said Andy Cummings of Old Greenwich and Educational Officer for the America’s Boating Club of Greenwich.
On March 16 he and his team of expert instructors will give
the basic boating course required for the CT Safe Boating Certificate. Price is $95 per person.
To register, go online to https://tinyurl.com/ABCG622 or email [email protected]