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Public Information Statement

National Weather Service New York NY

535 AM EDT Mon May 20 2024



...This is National Safe Boating Week...



Before you go out on the water, check the forecast at your local 

National Weather Service coastal office. You should also check for 

the latest NWS buoy observations from the National Data Buoy Center. 

You should also make sure your boat has essential, and in cases, 

required, safety equipment and communications tools. 



Life Jackets:



Before you and your family get out on the water this year, grab a 

life jacket and "Wear It!" Nearly 85 percent of those who drown 

while boating were not wearing a life jacket. Wearing a life jacket 

is one of the most effective and simple life-saving strategies for 

safe recreational boating. Boaters are required to have a U.S. Coast 

Guard-approved life jacket on board for every passenger on their 

vessel. 



Today's life jackets are available in a wide variety of shapes, 

colors, and sizes. They are comfortable, lightweight, and perfect 

for any boating activity. The most important thing is this: remember 

to grab a life jacket and "Wear It!" To learn more, visit the 

National Safe Boating Council online, at www.safeboatingcouncil.org 



Fire Extinguishers:



U.S. Coast Guard approved, marine-type fire extinguishers are 

required on boats where a fire hazard could be expected from the 

engines or fuel system. When required, boats less than 26 feet must 

carry at least one B-I, Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher. 

Boats 26-40 feet must carry two B-I or one B-II Coast Guard approved 

fire extinguishers. Boats 40-65 feet must carry three B-I or one B-

II and one B-I Coast Guard approved extinguishers. 



Fire extinguishers are classified by a letter and a number symbol. 

The letter indicates the type of fire the unit is designed to 

extinguish and the number indicates the size of the extinguisher. A 

type B extinguisher for example is intended to extinguish burning 

liquids such as gasoline, oil or grease, all of which are common on 

a boat. 



You shouldn't have to travel more than half the length of your boat 

to get to the fire extinguisher. Check your fire extinguishers at 

least once a year to ensure they are properly charged, stored and 

are undamaged. Start your boating season with this vital safety 

check. 



Communications: Cell phones, Weather Radios and Other Options



If you have a smart phone, get weather news at 

http://mobile.weather.gov



NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards will sound an alert when NWS issues a 

weather warning. Weather radio is a vital tool for a mariner. 



There are many other communications options available to mariners on 

our marine site. 



This concludes today's topic. Tomorrow will focus on fog and rapid 

wind shifts.



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