Parent to Parent: Boating safety

With the warm weather, boats will be hitting the waterways.

Audra Morrow, loves to boat
"I like coming out on the boat 'cause I think its fun because you get to be on the water and see the water."

Which means parents need to be extra vigilant when taking kids out.

Andrea Olynik, concerned mom
"Being a mom and going boating with my children, I want to make sure that their safety is the most important thing"

June is National Boating Safety Month and the coast guard is doing their part; but they say the real responsibility lies with the parents.

Vincent Riviezzo, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
"It hearkens back to the parent, the parent has got to be watchful and in tune with the dangers of children aboard the vessel."

Parents should inspect the boat, and be sure the kids and crew are wearing life jackets, and that they're worn correctly.

Vincent Riviezzo, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
"We had an instance here a little while ago where the young child put her life jacket on and it wasn't fitted properly and had she jumped in the water--it might not have saved her life."

That's why its also a good idea to keep up with modern marine technology.  A new device called "Life Tag" is worn on the wrist, and in the event your child or pet would fall overboard, it sounds an alarm to the crew.  That's a comfort to moms like Denise.

Denise Morrow, concerned mom
"I would feel so much more secure knowing my children or even if I was wearing one because I just feel like you can never be too safe."

The coast guard can do a free inspection of your vessel.

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