The Alaska Office of Boating Safety has created a checklist that includes key safety messages addressing the highest risks to boaters in Alaska.
The state has seen 13 boating fatalities so far this year. Five of those deaths involved rental boats and seven of the victims were not from Alaska.
The checklist is available to boat rental companies, organizations or individuals interested in conducting orientations prior to renting or loaning a boat.
“We hope that this initiative will help reduce fatalities and enhance enjoyment on Alaska’s waterways,” said Ben Ellis, director of the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, the boating safety office's parent agency.
From now on, the division is asking all vendors approved to rent boats in state park units to provide a watercraft safety orientation to anyone who rents a boat, and document the renters’ understanding of the safety orientation. While some vendors already do this, it will become a requirement in 2013.
The Watercraft Rental Orientation is available on the Office of Boating Safety website.
For print copies, contact the Office of Boating Safety at 907-269-6042 or send an email to Education Specialist Kelli Toth at kelli.toth@alaska.gov.
Email Ashleigh Ebert
