Georgia Boat Rental Safety

Summary

The Georgia DNR's boat rental safety video, hosted by Mike Burgamy, emphasizes the importance of boating safety rules and responsible operation to prevent accidents. It covers negligent operation as a criminal offense, the necessity of life jackets, especially for children under 13, and the '100-foot law' for speed restrictions near other boats and structures. The video also explains navigation rules, buoys, and markers, the awareness zone around boats, and the requirement for proper lighting and boat registration. It encourages taking boater education courses for a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

Takeaways

• 🛥️ **Boating Safety First**: The script emphasizes that safety is the top priority while boating and that everyone on the boat should aim for zero accidents.
• 📚 **Understanding Boating Rules**: Just like driving a car, boating has its own set of rules that are crucial for the safety of all involved and to avoid legal trouble.
• 🚫 **Negligent Operation**: Operating a boat without proper attention or responsibly is considered negligent operation and is a serious criminal offense.
• 🚔 **Enforcement of Boating Laws**: The script mentions that rules are strictly enforced, and violating them can result in severe penalties.
• 🍺 **Alcohol and Boating Don't Mix**: It is highlighted that a significant number of boating accidents involve alcohol, and it's strongly advised against mixing the two.
• 🚤 **100 Foot Law**: Operating a boat over idle speed within 100 feet of certain areas or objects is illegal and must be adhered to.
• 🦺 **Life Jackets Save Lives**: Wearing a life jacket is the best preventive measure against drowning, and it's mandatory for children under 13 on moving vessels.
• 🔍 **Visibility and Lights**: Boats must display proper lights when operating at night or in poor visibility, and all lights must be in good working order.
• 📍 **Navigation Rules**: Simple navigation rules are provided to avoid collisions, such as steering to the right when meeting another boat head-on.
• 🚧 **Awareness Zone**: An awareness zone around the boat is established to prevent accidents, and passengers should not be in this zone until the boat is stopped and the engine is off.
• 🛑 **Emergency Procedures**: In case of a fire, all passengers must be in life jackets and ready to leave before attempting to extinguish the fire, and everyone should know how to use fire extinguishers.
• 🔄 **Boat Registration and Identification**: Boat operators must have a boat registration card and proper identification on board, and operators aged 16 or older are allowed to operate boats in Georgia state waters.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the Georgia DNR boat rental safety video?

The main goal is to provide information to ensure the safety of boaters and their passengers.

What is negligent operation in boating?

Negligent operation refers to not paying proper attention or acting responsibly while operating a boat.

What are some examples of negligent operation?

Examples include using excessive speed near other boats, failing to ensure children wear life jackets, and boating under the influence of alcohol.

What is the 100-foot law in Georgia boating regulations?

It is illegal to operate a boat over idle speed within 100 feet of moored boats, docks, people in the water, or shorelines.

Why is wearing a life jacket important?

Wearing a life jacket is the best way to prevent drowning while boating.

What should you do in case of a fire emergency on the boat?

Ensure all passengers are in life jackets and ready to leave the boat before attempting to extinguish the fire.

What is the rule for yielding to other boats?

Yield to boats on your starboard (right) and to those not under power, such as sailboats or kayaks.

What do red and green navigation markers indicate?

Red markers indicate the right side of the channel, and green markers indicate the left side when entering from the sea or going upstream.

What should you do before entering the water near a boat?

Wait for the boat motor to be off and count to 10, as the propeller can continue to spin.

What identification is required to operate a boat in Georgia?

Operators aged 16 and older must have a government-issued ID with a photo and date of birth on board.

Outlines

00:00

🚤 Boating Safety and Regulations Overview

This paragraph introduces the Georgia DNR boat rental safety video, presented by Mike Burgamy. It emphasizes the importance of boating safety rules, the consequences of negligent operation, and the legal implications of such behavior. Key points include the enforcement of boating rules, the dangers of excessive speed, the necessity of life jackets, especially for children under 13, and the prohibition of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The '100-foot law' is also highlighted, which restricts operation over idle speed near other boats, docks, or shorelines. The paragraph underscores the operator's responsibility for safety and the goal of zero accidents.

05:03

🛑 Navigation and Awareness for Safe Boating

The second paragraph delves into navigation rules and awareness zones to prevent collisions and ensure safe boating. It explains the function of buoys and markers as traffic signals on waterways and the significance of lateral and non-lateral navigation markers in indicating safe water areas and channel edges. The importance of the awareness zone around the boat, where passengers should not be until the boat is completely stopped, is stressed. Additionally, the paragraph covers the requirements for proper lighting and operation of personal watercraft (PWC), especially regarding their prohibition after sunset. The necessity of having a boat registration card and proper identification on board is also mentioned, concluding with a recommendation for boaters to undertake further education through approved boater education courses.

10:06

🎣 Final Reminders for a Safe and Enjoyable Boating Experience

The final paragraph serves as a brief reminder to enjoy the boating experience safely. Although it is short and does not contain substantial content, it reinforces the overarching message of the safety video—prioritizing safety and enjoyment on the water. It implies a continuation of the safety theme and an encouragement for boaters to apply the knowledge gained from the video to their boating activities.

Keywords

💡Boating Safety

Boating Safety refers to the set of rules and practices designed to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of boaters and passengers on the water. It is the central theme of the video, emphasizing the importance of adhering to regulations to avoid accidents and maintain a safe boating environment. The script mentions the necessity of understanding and following boating rules, wearing life jackets, and avoiding negligent operation as part of ensuring boating safety.

💡Negligent Operation

Negligent Operation is defined as the failure to pay proper attention or act responsibly while operating a vessel. It is a serious criminal offense in the context of the video, highlighting the legal consequences of not following boating rules. Examples given in the script include using excessive speed, not wearing life jackets, and boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, all of which are considered forms of negligent operation.

💡Life Jacket

A life jacket is a personal flotation device designed to keep a person afloat in water. The script strongly recommends wearing life jackets at all times while underway to prevent drowning, which is the leading cause of boating fatalities. It is mandatory for children under 13 to wear life jackets on a moving vessel, and the script provides guidance on ensuring they fit properly and are worn correctly.

💡100-Foot Law

The 100-Foot Law is a regulation mentioned in the script that prohibits operating a boat over idle speed within 100 feet of any moored or anchored boat, dock, pier, bridge, or shoreline, especially in areas close to residences, public parks, beaches, or swimming areas. It is designed to prevent accidents and maintain a safe environment for all water users.

💡Navigation Rules

Navigation Rules are the guidelines that help boaters avoid collisions with other boats on the water. The script explains the basic rules, such as steering to the right or starboard when meeting another boat head-on, and passing on the left or port side when overtaking. These rules are crucial for maintaining order and safety on the water.

💡Aids to Navigation

Aids to Navigation are markers and buoys used to guide vessel operators safely along waterways and to identify dangerous or controlled areas. The script describes lateral and non-lateral markers, which use colors, shapes, and numbers to indicate the edge of safe water areas and provide information to boaters about directions and potential hazards.

💡Awareness Zone

The Awareness Zone is the area around a boat, including the front, sides, and rear within 30 feet, where passengers should not be present until the boat is stopped and the motor is turned off. The script warns against the dangers of the propeller, which can continue to spin even after the engine is cut off, and emphasizes the importance of this zone for safety during water sports and when boarding or leaving the boat.

💡Boat Registration Card

A Boat Registration Card is a document that all boat operators must have on board while operating on Georgia state waters. The script specifies that anyone 16 years of age or older may operate a boat if they have proper identification, which includes a driver's license or other government-issued ID with a description, photograph, and date of birth.

💡Personal Watercraft (PWC)

A Personal Watercraft, commonly known as a PWC, is a type of watercraft that the script specifies has certain restrictions, such as not being allowed to operate after sunset. This regulation is based on time, not visibility, and is part of the safety measures to prevent accidents involving these high-speed vessels.

💡Boater Education

Boater Education refers to courses and training programs designed to teach individuals about safe boating practices and regulations. The script encourages boaters to take a NASBLA-approved boater education course, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, or a Georgia DNR-sponsored course to enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable boating experience.

💡Boating Accidents

Boating Accidents are incidents that occur on the water, often due to negligence or lack of adherence to safety rules. The script states that one-third of all boating accidents involve alcohol, illustrating the dangers of mixing drinking with boating and the importance of responsible behavior to prevent such accidents.

Highlights

Introduction to boating safety and importance of following rules to ensure safety.

Negligent operation defined as not paying proper attention or acting responsibly while operating a boat.

Examples of negligent operation include excessive speed, failing to ensure children wear life jackets, and boating under the influence.

Statistics show that one-third of all boating accidents involve alcohol, emphasizing the importance of not drinking and boating.

The 100-foot law prohibits operating over idle speed within 100 feet of various objects and areas such as boats, docks, and swimming areas.

Negligent operation can lead to severe penalties, highlighting the importance of following boating rules.

Wearing a life jacket is the best way to prevent drowning, with Coast Guard-approved life jackets required on board for every person.

Children under 13 must wear life jackets at all times on a moving vessel unless inside a fully enclosed cabin.

Fire safety includes making sure all passengers wear life jackets and are ready to leave the boat before attempting to put out a fire.

Basic navigation rules include steering to the right in head-on situations, passing on the left, and yielding to boats on the right.

Importance of knowing and following lateral and non-lateral navigation markers to avoid collisions and navigate safely.

Awareness zone around the boat must be clear before starting the engine or entering the water to prevent accidents.

Proper lighting is required for night operations, with specific rules for personal watercraft not operating after sunset.

Boat operators must have a boat registration card and proper identification on board.

Encouragement to take a NASBLA-approved boating education course to enhance boating skills and safety knowledge.

Various opportunities for advanced boating skills courses through organizations like the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Power Squadron.

Georgia DNR offers online boating education classes for those unable to attend in-person courses.

Transcripts

whether this is your first time boating

or not welcome to the Georgia DNR boat

rental safety video I'm Mike burgamy and

in the next 10 minutes I'll be giving

you some information to help keep you

and your pasture safe on your boat

thanks to legislators and DNR Rangers

our rules on the water make boating

safer and more enjoyable for everyone

you should understand just like driving

a car boating has its own rules of the

road to keep you and your fellow boter

safe and out of trouble your safety is

our number one priority and zero

accidents for you and all your

passengers needs to be your goal as well

we do what we can to provide you boating

safety information but ultimately your

safety and that of your passengers and

other watercraft users is up to you I

know you're anxious to get going so

let's get

started if you're not familiar with the

term negligent operation it basically

means you're not paying proper attention

or acting responsibly while operating

Your Vessel no matter what kind of boat

you're operating there are important

rules you need to follow these rules are

designed to keep you and your passengers

safe negligent operation of a boat is

strictly enforced and is a serious

criminal offense here are a few examples

of negligent operation using excessive

speed in the vicinity of other boats or

hazardous Waters failing to make sure

children under age 1

wear a life jacket on a moving vessel

operating a PWC without wearing a life

jacket allowing passengers to ride on

the gunnel or hanging over the bow of a

vessel unsafe ski Towing practices no

Observer Towing skiers too close to

docks or to the Shoreline boating under

the influence of alcohol or drugs don't

take a chance with this one if you do

you could be sorry one3 of all boating

accidents involve alcohol it's quite

clear drinking and boating just don't

mix the 100 foot law applies to all

boats skiers and personal watercraft or

pwc's as are sometimes referred to it is

illegal to operate over idle speed

within 100 ft of any moed or anchored

boat or any boat that is a drift a dock

Pier or Bridge persons in the water any

Shoreline close to a residence public

park Beach or swimming area or within

the vicinity of a Marina restaurant or

any other public use

area it is also unlawful to follow too

closely behind another boat or to change

your course to jump the wake of another

boat statistics show that some form of

basic negligence is the primary cause of

all reported accidents as the operator

of a boat today you are responsible to

know and follow the rules if you operate

your boat or allow anyone on the boat to

act in a negligent fashion you could

face severe

penalties wearing a life jacket is the

single best thing you can do to prevent

drowning while boating almost two out of

every three boating fatalities were

drownings some were even strong swimmers

and unfortunately some were children

whose parents were negligent Coast Guard

approved life jacket must be on board

for every person and we strongly

recommend you wear it at all times while

underway children under the age of 13

are required to wear a life jacket at

all times while on board a moving vessel

unless they're inside a fully enclosed

cabin make sure all life jackets fit

properly and are zipped and clip before

you leave the dock if you have questions

about your life jacket and how it should

fit just ask your boat rental company

life jackets do not work unless you wear

it so remember to wear it

Georgia a throwable flotation device

must be readily accessible to throw to a

distressed person in the water if there

is a fire emergency first make sure all

passengers are in life jackets and ready

to leave the boat only then should you

attempt to put out a fire everyone

should know where fire extinguishers are

located and how to use

them there are simple navigation rules

that will help you avoid collisions with

other boats if another boat is coming at

you head on you should steer to the

right or starboard if you are overtaking

or passing another boat you should pass

on the left or port side of that boat

leave plenty of room and yield to that

boat if you are crossing the path of

another boat you should yield to a boat

on the rod of your starboard you should

also yield to all boats that are not

underpower including sailboats under

sail canoes and kayaks you should also

stay out of the way of commercial

commercial or working boats overall no

matter what these rules say if there is

ever the threat of a collision it is

your responsibility to slow down steer

away or

stop buoys and markers are the traffic

signals that guide vessel operators

safely along waterways they also

identify dangerous or controlled areas

and give directions and information as a

recreational boat or PWC operator you

will need to know the lateral navigation

markers and non-lateral markers of the

US aids to navigation system lateral

marker Aid Mark the edge of Safe Water

areas by using a combination of colors

and numbers which may appear on either

booys or permanently placed markers red

colors red lights and even numbers Mark

the edge of the channel on your

starboard or right side as you enter

from the Open Sea or head Upstream in a

river green colors green lights and odd

numbers Mark the edge of the channel on

your port or left side as you enter from

the Open Sea or head Upstream in a river

remember red right return going home or

Upstream the most common navigation AIDS

are non-lateral markers which are white

and use orange markings and black

lettering to provide information to

boers these markers are found on lakes

and rivers and are used to to give

directions and information for food gas

and marinas worn of Hazards and

obstructions like rocks and

stumps Mark controlled areas like no

wake idle speed or no

schem and Mark closed areas like

swimming areas and

dams all boats have an awareness Zone

the awareness Zone includes the front

sides and rear for 30 ft all around the

boat no passenger should be in this

awareness zone until the boat motor is

turned off the boat is stopped moving

and the keys removed then count to 10

before entering the water the propeller

can spin for several seconds after the

motor is cut off so that's why we count

to 10 remember it is greatly negligent

and prohibited to allow passengers to

sit on the bow gunnel Stern or swim

platforms while the boat is moving pay

particular attention to the awareness on

while water skiing or engaging in other

water sports and especially before

starting your

engine you must display the proper

lights if your boat is to be operated at

night or when visibility is poor make

sure all lights are in good working

order before you leave the dock the

rental company can demonstrate the

proper operation of the Lights On Your

Vessel if you are renting a personal

watercraft commonly known as a PWC

you are not allowed to operate after

Sunset the law is based on time and not

visibility check the sunset chart before

you leave and make sure you turn on your

navigation lights or stop riding your

PWC at

Sunset all boat operators must have a

boat registration card on board the

vessel while operating person 16 years

of age or older May operate any boat on

Georgia state waters if he or she has

proper identification on

board proper identification means a

driver's license or any other government

issued identification that contains a

description of the person a photograph

and a date of birth by following the

simple steps mentioned in this rental

safety course and by voting responsibly

you can make sure your boating

experience is fine and safe do your best

to understand the many hazards that

exist all around you and act responsibly

to avoid them the more time you spend on

the water the better boater you will

become but no matter how many hours you

have behind the wheel always use your

senses stay alert and make note of your

surroundings every time you start your

engine your safety is our primary

concern but being safe on the water

ultimately depends on you we also

recommend all boers take a NASA approved

Boer education course there are fun and

exciting opportunities to learn more

about boating by taking a United States

Coast Guard auxiliary us Power Squadron

or a Georgia DNR sponsored boed

education course these provide you

one-on-one instruction comaraderie and

the ability to take even more advanced

boating skills courses if you don't have

the time to take a classroom course

Georgia DNR offers online motor

education classes visit our website at

www. gadnr

e.com for more information be safe have

fun and wear it Georgia