THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 Page 9 State officials remind public to prioritize safety while boating W ith summer approaching, state environmental and public safety offi cials are urging boaters to take important steps to safely and responsibly ride and operate boats this season, including wearing a Personal Floatation Device (PFD), which is commonly known as a life jacket, at all times when on a boat. “As summer approaches and more residents take advantage of opportunities for outdoor recreation, it is critically important that boaters are mindful to practice safety fi rst and always wear a life jacket to prevent tragic accidents,” said Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “We urge the public to keep yourselves and your families safe by wearing a PFD and always operating boats at a safe speed.” According to the United States Coast Guard, there were 4,168 recreational boating accidents nationally in 2019 leading to 613 deaths, 2,559 injuries and approximately $55 million of damage to property. Of the fatalities, 77 percent were due to drowning. Of those who drowned, 84% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket. “A personal floatation device, commonly known as a life jacket, is the most important piece of safety equipment for any person that operates or rides on a boat,” said Environmental Police Colonel Shaun Santos. “It is important that boaters take extra care to prioritize safety, always travel at reasonable speeds and never operate boats under the infl uence of drugs or alcohol.” In Massachusetts, most boating fatalities occur as the result of boaters failing to wear a life jacket or not having the appropriate life jackets onboard. In the last two weeks, there have been two fatalities and one person missing as a result of boating accidents in the Commonwealth. “Everyone who uses motorboats, canoes and kayaks while fishing, hunting or recreational boating must remember safety fi rst on the water,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Ronald Amidon. “Wearing PFDs and learning and practicing all safe boating habits is critical to the enjoyment of boating in Massachusetts.” “Contained within state parks and throughout the Commonwealth are pristine waterbodies that the public has great access to; however, it is vital that we all take proper precautions to ensure a safe, fun experience,” said Department of Conservation & Recreation Commissioner James Montgomery. “Please remember to always wear a life jacket, operate boats responsibly and ensure water conditions are safe prior to launching.” Boaters are reminded that operating any vessel under the infl uence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited. Boaters are also prohibited from operating within 150 feet of public or private swimming areas. All boaters are urged to operate their vessels at reasonable speeds based on existing conditions, including traffi c density, weather and visibility. For inland waters, operating at a speed greater than 45 mph is considered excessive. “Boaters and paddlers in the Northeast have an incredible network of inland and coastal waters available for their use, but things can and do go wrong in a heartbeat,” said First Coast Guard District Recreational Boating Specialist Walter Taylor. “In the Northeast, over 73 percent of our recreational boating and paddling fatalities are the direct result of capsizing or falling overboard and, of these fatalities, about 77 percent were not wearing a life jacket. Bottom line, bring and wear your life jacket – life jackets save lives – when you need your life jacket, you need it on.” Under Massachusetts law, boaters under the age of 12 may not operate a motorboat unless accompanied and supervised by an adult. Children under the age of 16 may not operate a personal watercraft. Children ages 12-15 must complete an approved boating safety course to operate a motorboat; children ages 16 and 17 must do so to operate a personal watercraft. Boating safety ultimately starts onshore. Boaters should fi le a fl oat plan with a friend or family prior to getting underway. Boaters are reminded that all boats are required to carry PFDs and all passengers less than 12 years of age must be in a life jacket whenever above decks while underway. All boating accidents must be reported to the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) at 800-6328075. MEP is the primary agency responsible for enforcing the Commonwealth’s fi sh and game, boating and off -highway vehicle laws. MEP offi cers, while authorized to enforce all general laws, focus on laws and regulations related to the protection of natural resources and public parks and land, boat and off -highway vehicle use, and hazardous waste disposal. MEP offi cers serve as stewards of the state’s natural resources, patrolling forests, parks, inland waterways and coastal waters throughout the Commonwealth. RBC members meet to plan 2020 Beautiful Home/Business Award Program T he Revere Beautifi cation Committee (RBC) members pictured above – Annette Bornstein, Karen Knapp, Carol Haney and Eleanor Vieira – met this week in a socially distanced setting to begin the planning for this year’s Beautiful Home/Business Award Program. The program recognizes homes and businesses throughout the city that have made the eff ort to beautify the exterior of their property so that it enhances the image of the city of Revere. All residents are encouraged to beautify their property and are eligible for this award. RBC began this program in 2003 and has recognized many beautiful properties during that time. WE’RE OPEN and Here for You In-Person and Telemedicine Appointments at Our Stoneham and Malden Locations Are you coping with an injury, joint problem, sprain or strain? Some healthcare needs can’t and shouldn’t wait. Even during this uncertain time, our expert orthopedic, pain management, physical therapy and occupational therapy specialists are here to help you. Both of our locations are open and we are offering in-person and telemedicine appointments during regular business hours. We’ll work with you to determine the best option for your needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment: (781) 279-7040 • agilitydoctor.com Agility Orthopedics
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