No boater is exempt from making mistakes, even the ones who think they know it all. That’s a theme the U.S. Coast Guard has always stressed in its efforts to educate recreational boaters about best practices onboard. For proof, check out the image above, which was part of a 1966 motorboat safety series produced by the USCG. It shows a crew member falling overboard after the operator made a “hazardous start” from the dock. The USCG used the image to illustrate one of the common boating safety don’ts. That is, when coming off the dock, the operator should ensure that all the guests are properly seated in the vessel; the stern gunwale being an especially unsafe place for a passenger when the boat is under power.
The image also served to remind boaters to go slowly when coming off a dock. Here, the operator made a ‘jack-rabbit’ start, a dangerous maneuver as the boat’s stern can hit the dock violently, causing damage to the vessel and its occupants. Fortunately, no one pictured here was injured, since the photo was staged for educational purposes.
This image was one in a series on motorboat safety produced more than 50 years ago. Other photos demonstrated overloading, safety equipment requirements and what to do if you are thrown overboard without a life preserver. The series speaks to the USCG’s dedication to keeping recreational boaters out of harm’s way.
This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue.
