Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 201 - 225 of 238
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Two leading boating education organizations with a history of making boating education easy and affordable, have teamed up to offer a fully interactive online seminar for those First Mates who may find themselves needing to take command of the family boat. “Partner in Command,” from the US Power Squadrons (USPS), in partnership with the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety, aims to acquaint the First Mate with basic skills he or she may need in an emergency. The seminar is no... Full story
If you got a personal watercraft (PWC) for the holidays, the U.S. Coast Guard urges you to take a boating-safety education class before you hit the water this summer. PWCs are an affordable way for people to get out and enjoy the numerous waterways that are available to boaters. "Operators need to keep in mind though, that personal watercraft are like any other watercraft. Whether it be a fishing boat, ski boat, or PWC, the key to safe and prudent use lies with the operator," says Ed Huntsman,... Full story
For over 30 years, the Lake Havasu Marine Association has been active in the Lake Havasu area fulfilling their Vision to provide a safe, clean lake and river environment by enhancing the public's boating experience. The Association membership is comprised of local boating industry businesses, tourism businesses and representatives of local governments. Affiliations include the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona State Parks, Mohave County Sheriff's Office, Lake Havasu Police Department,... Full story
Sacramento, Calif. — This Casual Friday marked a fun way to show support for water safety by joining “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day.” Throughout the nation today, people promoted water safety while sporting a totally different look at work by wearing their favorite life jacket in honor of “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day,” a National Safe Boating Week event promoted by the California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW). In an effort to increase boating safety this summer, especiall... Full story
It’s getting nicer outside every day and boating season is upon us. Many of you in the marine industry and boating world know me; my name is David Esparza, and I have been a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary for 19 years and a volunteer with the Arizona Game and Fish Department as boating-safety instructor for 20 years. I have now worked at West Marine in Tempe for almost three years. One of the first things that I wanted to talk to you about is National Safe Boating Week, May 1... Full story
As the weather starts to warm up, we’re all anxious to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Families and friends gather together to enjoy the outdoors, travel on vacation and spend time on the water — boating, fishing, sailing, and more. It’s important to remember the safety precautions to take during all of these recreational water activities. But, with approximately 500 people drowning each year from recreational boating accidents, it is imperative to push the message of “Wear It!”: Wear your... Full story
This National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24, do something different. Take a friend out boating, sailing and fishing and show him/her a good time — and how easy it is to keep everyone aboard safe. Giving your guests a short pre-departure talk about important safety gear and tips for safe operation could go a long way in making sure the day stays fun. The following list of six tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety takes fewer than six minutes to share with guests: 1. Most newcomers to... Full story
Boating and swimming go hand-in-hand, but unlike a public pool or beach, boaters can't count on a lifeguard to watch over them. As this summer's sweltering heat wave drives more boaters to dive into the deep blue, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety has these seven swimming tips: 1. Always ensure the engine is off. The best way to do this is to remove the key from the ignition, leaving it in plain view so everyone knows it won't start. 2. At marinas, stray electric current from poorly... Full story
For many of the nation's 80 million recreational boaters, the upcoming Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Like a football game "kick-off," boaters will work to a frenzy to get their boats in the water by the May 27th goal line. But what is different this time of year, reports Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), is that both the boat owner and their boat may need extra preparation. "Each new season, we're rusty and we need to remind ourselves... Full story
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers two courses that may qualify for insurance company discounts that are designed to enhance skills and knowledge for the recreational boat operator as well as personal watercraft, canoe and kayakers. Students can enroll in a one-day basic class or an advanced knowledge and seamanship course that covers 12 chapters of instruction. Regardless of the course, a boater education certification card will be issued after successfully completing the test. While taking a safe boating course, Gregory Deen of Jacksonvill... Full story
-- Shown here is a group of determined personnel ready to support Sportsman’s Warehouse endeavor. Sportsman’s Warehouse sent out an advertisement stating that they were going to support a safe-boating activity. They encouraged their patrons to take advantage of a great training/learning event and the ability to get a free VSC (Vessel Safety Check). According to Ron and Rose Werner, "This event was an opportunity for us to show support for a vendor that has supported us for several yea... Full story
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) announces the 14th Annual Life Jacket Trade-In. Events will be held at 30 locations across the state on May 24 and 25. Of the 53 boating fatalities reported to DBW last year, 33 drowned. All drowning victims were found without life jackets on. It is important for all water enthusiasts, no matter how young or old, to wear properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Life jackets that are too small will not be able to keep b... Full story
Opening of Safe Boating events is one of our favorite boating events. Several people including ourselves cut short out of town vacations to make it back for this event. We inspect boats for basic boating safety requirements and gives us a chance to meet people and provide additional information that they would like to know. Many boaters are experienced and many do not know what they should know about their own boat nor what to do in the water if they have a problem. This gives us a chance to... Full story
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Water enthusiasts should take serious precautions against cold temperatures and swift currents when in or near water this spring. Despite this year’s below-normal snowfall, the spring snowmelt can still result in swift and cold river flows that can create treacherous conditions for all recreationists – waders, swimmers, paddlers, boaters, anglers, and even hikers cooling off at the water’s edge. The utility and state departments cautioned that even though the water content... Full story
(Phoenix, AZ - May 22, 2013) - Arizona State Parks' headquarters is now "Camping Central." Arizonans are welcome to stop by and pick up a bag of brochures, maps and information about all the facilities where you can camp, hike, fish, have reunions, weddings, special events and business retreats. There are more than 1,000 campsites so whether you are a tent camper, RV camper or need a nice cozy camping cabin or yurt, our customer service representatives will help visitors find the best place to... Full story
There are days left before Desert Storm week arrives in Lake Havasu! If you're thinking of joining, please get signed up; we have plenty of room for more Poker Runners and Shootout entries. The Nautical Resort is, of course, sold out, but many places still have rooms available. At press time, 115 boats have signed up; I’m sure many of our regular participants are so busy they haven’t sent in their registrations. Come on guys, let’s blow the doors off and show the East Coast how we roll! It re... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to remind all boaters, anglers, and personal watercraft users that this year’s boating season has arrived and to please exercise safe, responsible practices when on the water. Safe boating recreation is a must, and everyone should take a minute and remember to check your boats, personal watercraft and all equipment before launching at your favorite lake or waterway. Make sure you have all required safety equipment, such as proper life jackets and w... Full story
A boating accident, often resulting in property damage, personal injury, or more tragically a death, is a terrible way to introduce anyone to the world of boating and water-related recreational activity. 2011, the most current year for which we have Coast Guard annual statistics, was the most catastrophic year since 1998 in the United States for boating-related deaths, injuries and property damage. We now have an opportunity to change our behavior and avoid becoming a similar statistic for last... Full story
First of all, who has to have a Captain’s License? Captain’s licenses are first and foremost required in order to legally carry passengers for hire. They are also a requirement in many commercial, law enforcement, transportation, charter; fishing; sailing instruction; merchant marine, and large yacht vessel operations. All kinds of new and used boats, yachts and vessels frequently have to be moved around for many reasons, and insurance companies frequently require a licensed Captain to make off... Full story
Come out on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24, for the free Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo, held on the 1,600-acre grounds of the world-renowned Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. Arizona’s largest hands-on outdoor expo offers fun activities, exhibits and educational presentations for the entire family. Two Days’ Of Fun, Information For All • See live wildlife — hawks, owls, reptiles, • Learn target archery, • Take the kids to the huge catch-and-release fish tanks,... Full story
As part of the 2013 North American Safe Boating Campaign ("Wear It!"), the National Safe Boating Council is offering resources and funding to state agencies, organizations and other groups throughout the United States and Canada to help promote the campaign in their communities. There is a total of up to $35,000 to be awarded to approximately 8 - 10 applicants for an average of $3,500 each. The North American Safe Boating Campaign and this project are produced and supported under a grant from the Sports Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund,... Full story
While the majority of boaters in colder parts of the country have winterized their boats or put them into storage until spring, many still rely on their vessels for hunting, fishing or necessary transportation in cold weather, substantially increasing their risk of a deadly accident. Extra caution and preparation should be taken before heading out on the water in winter. And, although Arizona winters are mild in some parts of the state, they can be very cold in other parts. The U.S Coast Guard... Full story
Sacramento, Calif. – October through December are statistically the most dangerous months for anglers on California’s waterways. The California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) boating accident statistics show that close to 90 percent of all fishing-related boating fatalities in the off-season involve vessels capsizing or people falling overboard. To improve the chances of surviving such accidents, DBW urges anglers to follow safe boating practices, especially the use of life jackets. "... Full story
There is something almost revere about a campfire. It’s a travelling tradition — while one person sets up the tent or opens up the van, the other forages for fuel and gets a blaze going. It’s romantic, it’s entertaining and it’s often the place that good food is made. But, sometimes it’s actually a part of traveling I could happily do without! It’s hot work, the wood is often damp or if it’s not, there’s a fire ban and I get tired of telling the kids, “Don’t run around near the fire!” So we...
