CONNECTICUT, USA — This Memorial Day Weekend often marks the "unofficial start" to summer, and with that comes a warning from state officials about boating safely and responsibly.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is asking people to learn the protocols for safely operating a vessel during National Boat Safety Week, May 20-24.
Officials said that, on average, three out of every four boating deaths are a result of drowning. Experts said this happens when people are inexperienced or simply just not wearing life jackets when they should be, but most of the deaths are preventable.
Robert Dibble, a recreational fisherman both on and offshore, said he knows the Long Island Sound better than most as he has been out on that water for 47 years. It's because of that experience that when holiday weekends are approaching, Dibble steers clear of the waters.
“You have kayakers mixed with power boats; row boats mixed with power boats; fast boats... it gets busy, Very busy,” Dibble said.
With heavy harbor traffic often comes inexperienced boaters. Dibble said that it's "much more dangerous" since a lot of people will get a boat, and take it out without truly knowing what they're doing.
"They’ll go out in fog without any knowledge, run it high speed instead of slow, they hit the breakwater – also, they are drinking. Drinking and boating don’t go so good together,” Dibble said.
His warnings echo those of the professionals who spend their days helping people in trouble on the water.
Sea Tow Connecticut helps boaters in various situations they can’t get out of. They said it could be as simple as running out of gas to a damaged boat in an accident.
Captain Tom Heiness with Sea Tow said they see it all.
“There’s at least one or two incidents every year; boats collide or hit rocks or things like that," Heiness said. "Sometimes it’s due to inexperience or it’s a combination of that and alcohol and other issues."
Due to those possibilities, Dibble said he and his offshore fishing crews won’t leave the harbor much this weekend.
“If you see someone fishing go around," Dibble said. "If you see a sailboat don’t cut in front. There’s barges and ships here, just go easy. There’s no hurry if you’re on a boat, just enjoy it. Don’t go as fast as you can go."
Officials said to always have your life jacket somewhere you can easily grab it, make sure your boat is in good condition, drink responsibly, and that will all equal a good and safe time.
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Brooke Griffin is a reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at bgriffin@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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