Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 26 - 43 of 43
BoatUS Reveals Top Three Mistakes Boaters Make When Using VHF Radios Help ensure you’re heard every time. For most recreational boaters, VHF radios are a better lifesaving tool than the omnipresent cellphone, even as more boaters use cellphones for emergency on-water communications. Why? The VHF radio remains the only tool at the boater’s disposal that can summon those potential rescuers on the water nearest you – sometimes with the press of one simple red button – saving critical rescue time. To help boaters get the most out of their VHF rad... Full story
Capt. Ed Huntsman US Coast Guard Licensed Captain Member, US Sailing Safety at Sea Committee Why is safety such a hard sell? Why should water and boating safety officials across the country even have to try? Its always interesting that those most interested in the topic are rarely, if ever, those that would most benefit from learning about it and adopting the culture. As I sit here writing this article, I just finished reading a Coast Guard notification regarding a 65-year-old fisherman who... Full story
Fisherman is missing; was he wearing a life jacket? Why is safety such a hard sell? Why should water and boating safety officials across the country even have to try? Its always interesting that those most interested in the topic are rarely, if ever, those that would most benefit from learning about it and adopting the culture. As I sit here writing this article, I just finished reading a Coast Guard notification regarding a 65-year-old fisherman who went missing in Texas a few nights back.... Full story
This story is intended to serve as a general resource for recreational boating safety information. Should an issue or topic not be addressed here, feel free to contact Ed Huntsman, the District Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Program manager, via email at Edward.L.Huntsman@uscg.mil or by telephone at 504-671-2148. FILE A FLOAT PLAN Why should you take the time to prepare a float plan? The answer is simple - there are just too many facts that need to be accurately remembered and ultimately... Full story
There's no better way to beat the Arizona summer heat than spending time on or in the cool waters of Roosevelt Lake. Cruising on a pontoon or house boar, jet skiing, speed boating, kayaking, sailing, fishing, swimming – it's all great lake fun. What makes the fun even better? Knowing everyone is being safe while on the water. Knowledge of boating safety is essential for any boat owner or water sports enthusiast. Luckily, the information isn't hard to find. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (A... Full story
This page is intended to serve as a general resource for recreational Federal Requirements boating safety information. Should an issue or topic not be addressed here, feel free to contact Ed Huntsman, the District Recreational Federal Requirements Federal Requirements Boating Safety (RBS) Program Manager, via email at Edward.L.Huntsman@uscg.milEdward.L.Huntsman or by telephone at 504-671-2148. Here are a few “hot” links that will provide you the information necessary to comply with the law. The... Full story
Recent rain and snow storms' bringing both snowpack up north and flooding across the West and Midwest have many thinking that water levels in surrounding lakes and rivers will be increasing as the year progresses. Add lower gas prices to the mix and boaters will be coming back to the water this spring in droves. Power boaters, sailors, paddlers - many will be ill prepared to deal with the problems of a sudden spring or summer storm that this record-breaking El Nino season will be offering. Time... Full story
Recent rain and snow storms bringing both snowpack up north and flooding across the west and mid-west have many thinking that water levels in surrounding lakes and rivers will be increasing as the year progresses. Add lower gas prices to the mix and boaters will be coming back to the water this spring in droves. Power boaters, sailors, paddlers - many will be ill prepared to deal with the problems of a sudden spring or summer storm that this record breaking El Nino season will be offering. If yo... Full story
The Coast Guard and National Safe Boating Council remind recreational boaters of the importance of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons in conjunction with 406Mhz Beacon Awareness Day. An EPIRB is used to alert search and rescue forces in the event of an emergency. It does this by transmitting a coded message on the 406 megahertz distress frequency via satellite and earth stations to the nearest rescue coordination center, which then notifies local search and rescue forces. "Having a... Full story
Ed Huntsman is the Recreational Boating Safety Program Manager, United States Coast Guard, Eighth Coast Guard District. As spring approaches, temperatures rise, and ice melts, paddlesports enthusiasts begin to contemplate their first paddle-trip. But, before grabbing the canoe, kayak or SUP for that first trip, Eighth Coast Guard District boating-safety program manager Ed Huntsman wants to offer a few tips to ensure your safe return after an enjoyable trip. Know Basic Safety Skills How to... Full story
Eighth District's Recreational Boating Safety Program Manager, United States Coast Guard Need gift ideas for your favorite boater? Even though the traditional gift-giving holidays are over for now, there are always special occasions when presents are in order. When they come around, give a gift of life. Following are a few ideas that may end up ensuring your boater is around for the holidays next year. Coast-Guard Approved Life Jacket First on your list should be a comfortable Coast Guard... Full story
Those in charge of inspections and compliance directives encourage widest distribution. The Coast Guard has recently become aware of the uninspected towing-vessel industry’s using inappropriate navigation lights that fail to meet the criteria for use onboard any vessel; SEACHOICE Products LED Navigation Light, SCP #03201. Online research shows many outlets for the sale of this product. It is possible that this product may be in widespread use in the recreational boating industry as well. The SEA... 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
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
A boater is quite right about only needing a flashlight or lantern for a (non-mechanized) boat less than 7 meters (23 feet). However, if the boat has machinery (a motor — even a trolling motor) on board, according to A.R.S. Title Five, which is what “Officer Friendly” out at the lake in Arizona enforces, you'll need running lights if you're out between sunset and sunrise, or operating in restricted (rain, dust or the like) visibility: 5-333. Classification of watercraft; lights A. Water...
It is hard to say goodbye to one of our most loyal supporters of and contributors to the safety of Arizona outdoor recreationists, both on the water and on land. However, congratulations are definitely in order for Ed Huntsman, leaving the Arizona Game & Fish Department on March 19 where he has served as Boating and OHV Safety Education administrator and program manager since November 2004. Effective March 26, Huntsman begins his new position in New Orleans, La., at the helm of the Recreational... Full story
Start Your Boating New Year Right: Safely At this time of year, be aware of weather emergencies — even in Arizona! Arizona Boating Education This National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ (NASBLA)-approved course includes instruction on general nautical information, different boat types, knot tying, anchoring, waste and oil disposal, risk management, weather emergencies, registration requirements, boating laws and regulations, equipment requirements, navigation rules, aids to... Full story
