New Orleans coast guard encourages boat safety for the holiday.
Boating is a tradition for many during Labor day weekend, but has track record for many annual fatalities.
Coast guard crews with local law enforcement will be patrolling and keeping an extra careful eye on the water.
New Orleans coast guard has nine steps to help boat drivers have a safer holiday weekend.
Never operate a boat under the influence: It is illegal to operate any kind of boat while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Many recorded boat fatalities and injuries have been a result of intoxication.
Take a boat safety course: Study shows that more than 80 percent of boating accidents had an operator without prior boat safety training. Courses are available to the public at uscgboating.org
File a float plan: Leave a float plan with a friend or family member that will be staying back. The float pan should have the entire ride mapped out and clear instruction for anyone to search. For examples of a float plan, visit http://floatplancentral.cgaux.org/
Wear a life jacket: The most common threat to boating accidents is drowning. In 2017, 76 percent of fatal boating accidents victims were not wearing a life jacket. However, 85 percent were saved while wearing a life jacket.
Get a free vessel safety check: Make sure that boats are up to date and checked for maintenance. The chance of being in a boating accident decrease when the boat is in good condition. Contact the Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron to request a free vessel safety check by visiting www.safetyseal.net
Take a VHF-FM Marine radio: Cell phones could be less reliable off shore and battery life may not last. Taking a VHF-FM Marine radio can come in handy when far from shore.VHF Channel 16 is the Marine emergency channel that should be use for emergencies only.
Monitor weather broadcasts: Make sure to keep an eye on storm advisories for the latest updates on current and upcoming weather. Forecasts could be heard on channels 1 to 5 on a VHF-FM Marine radio or by checking the NWS website at www.weather.gov
Bring a signaling device: Have a portable communication device that can be seen from the water. In addition to radio, it helpful to have a flare signal gun to be able to see across the water or an emergency position that could alert first responders.
Download the USCG app: The U.S. Coast Guard app features an abundance of helpful feature for boaters across the United States. There is an emergency button that will connect to the nearest coast guard. The app could be found on the App Store and Google Play.
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