Pier Pressure: Put Safety First This Boating Season

No one ever thinks they'll get hurt or drown while boating, but thousands of people do. Most of the incidents occur on open motorboats. The U.S. Coast Guard responds to accidents involving jet skis and other personal watercraft, cabin cruisers, canoes, kayaks, and pontoon boats too. If you’re planning to spend some of your summer on the water, make sure you’re doing everything you can to get back to the dock safely.To help you get started, UR Medicine injury prevention expert Ray McLean shares this simple boating safety checklist for you and your family.Make sure your vessel is safe. The U.S. Coast Guard offers a freeVessel Safety CheckNew York State offers much more extensive boating operation and safety information in itsBoater’s GuideRay McLean, R.N., E.M.T.-P., is the injury prevention/outreach and education coordinator at UR Medicine’sKessler Trauma Center