WPCNR THE BOUNDING MAIN. From Westchester Power Squadron. May 27, 2007: In May, most Northeasterners start to think about getting their gardens prepared, cleaning the dirt off of their golf clubs from last year's final round, children start to count how many more days of school they have and boaters start to take the shrink wrap off of their boats for the upcoming yachting season and preparing their craft for sea. 

One of the simplest forms of demonstrating Safe Boating is to remember to always have a properly fitting Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for everyone on your boat.   A PFD is the cheapest form of insurance that you can buy.  Most boating accidents involve falls overboard, capsizing or sinkings.  A properly fitted and correctly used PFD can save your life.

A PFD must be in good and serviceable condition in order to meet legal requirements.  If it is torn, damaged, rotten, punctured, straps or fasteners are missing, throw it away!  It will not meet legal requirements.  In order for a PFD to meet legal requirements, it has to be in excellent condition and be US Coast Guard approved.  A  US Coast Guard emblem or tag must be on the PFD.  This will mean that the device meets US Coast Guard specifications concerning performance and design. 

Who should wear a PFD?  Children, the elderly, non-swimmers and you can’t forget your pets.  They should always wear their PFDs while on board.  In rough water it is recommended that everyone on board wears a PFD. Each passenger on board a boat should know where the PFDs are located and should make sure that their wearable device fits properly.

For more boating information, The Westchester Sail & Power Squadron, a Unit of the United States Power Squadron offers Boat Safety Classes continuously throughout the year as well as advanced classes in Seamanship, Piloting, Weather, etc. The WSPS also offers a course for Personal Water Craft Certification.    Contact Commander Candyce Corcoran at Aquamoon3@aol.com or visit the Westchester Sail  & Power Squadron Website at:  www.usps.org/localusps/d2/westchester for more information on our courses and becoming a member.