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DPS: People neglecting advisories
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Posted on Aug 24 2005
The Boating Safety Division of the Department of Public Safety acknowledged that it is faced with a big challenge to fully educate the public on water safety, noting that people ignored advisories in the past.
“We need to do more awareness campaign and make sure that people are aware of the navigational rules,” said Boating Safety commander Juan D. Diaz in a recent briefing.
In 2004, he said that the CNMI Boating responded to 10 open water drowning cases, seven stranded swimmers, one “overdue” fisherman, and one missing person.
He said his team also responded to two jetski accidents, four banana boats accidents, three incidents of vessels running aground, and two capsizing incidents.
He said most of these accidents involve tourists.
He noted that improved compliance with the rules would boost not only water safety but also tourism opportunities.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta endorsed this week as CNMI Safe Boating Week.
Babauta said that, while boating “is a marvelous source of recreation, it can also be a dangerous sport.” He said it is essential that safe boating habits be enforced, such as wearing a life jacket when operating or riding a boat.
“It is a simple task that can save lives. Not knowing or obeying the navigational rules or nautical ‘rules of the road,’ drinking alcohol or taking drugs while operating a boat, or choosing not to wear a life jacket are examples of unsafe boating practices,” he said.
He noted that the CNMI is blessed to have a climate and a lagoon and open ocean to accommodate the wide variety of pleasure boating demands all year round.
“That’s why we must continue to spread the message of boating safety, not only during this week but throughout the year,” he said.
Statistics showed that about 800 people die each year in boating-related accidents in the U.S.
Today, the Boating Safety will hold an islandwide inspection of vehicles as part of the weeklong celebration. It will hold a fishing derby on Friday at 5pm at the Smiling Cove marina.
