WYOMING – As Independence Day approaches, officials at Wyoming State Parks and Grand Teton National Park are asking visitors to practice safe boating this holiday.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, boating under the influence (BUI) is the leading contributing factor in recreational boating deaths. Substance use while recreating on rivers and lakes can lead to impaired judgment and worse balance and coordination. When compounded with watercraft motion and the effects of sun, wind and water, this can be a recipe for disaster.
“The Fourth of July has unfortunately become known for drinking, boating and deadly incidents,” National Safe Boating Council Executive Director Peg Phillips said in a press release.
Last year, a man lost his life while tubing on the Snake River on July Fourth.
BUI can result in boaters making dangerous decisions, such as swimming too close to propellers, standing up in boats that might capsize, leaning too far overboard and more. Everyone partying on the water this year should double check their safety precautions before heading out, including life jackets, engine cut-off switches and navigation equipment.
Across GTNP, rangers will participate in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign promoting safe boating over the holiday weekend. GTNP rangers will patrol park waters more frequently and ramp up watercraft inspections. Required onboard equipment includes:
- Approved U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) personal floatation devices (PFDs), in appropriate sizes for all persons in the boat. Passengers 12 years of age and under must wear a PFD at all times while onboard.
- A sound-making device such as an air horn or whistle for emergencies.
- Navigation lights for all watercraft that will operate at night.
- A USCG approved throwable flotation device such as a seat cushion or ring buoy. These are required on all motorized vessels 16 feet in length or longer.
- Fire extinguishers for motorized vessels.
- Required paperwork: boat registration, Wyoming Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) decal and a GTNP boat permit.
Learn more about Operation Dry Water by visiting www.operationdrywater.org. Information on boating in Grand Teton can be found at go.nps.gov/tetonboating.
