STOP PROPELLER INJURIES NOW!  emphasis on education to mitigate propeller strike accidents.

THE PRINCIPLE:  

The more things stay the same, the less any mitigating factor, such as education, makes a difference. There is NO effective education to reduce propeller fatalities and injuries. The statistics remain constant since l970. The same can be said for PFD (life jacket) wear, despite years of targeted time and money dedicated to educating the boating public. It doesn’t work if you don’t wear it. Seems an easy concept so why is it so difficult to educate the recreating mind? The recreating mind considers “fun”, not the possibility of a hidden danger. Well- educated and intelligent people abandon common sense rules and reflexes in pursuit of “fun.” The inexperienced and uneducated are even more at risk when the recreating mind-set is the driving force. Given this principle concept that “fun trumps”, how do we get the attention of the recreational boater and modify behavior? The following are some of the SPIN recent  efforts to advance boating education issues. 

1. USCG publishes “Beware Boat Propellers...A hidden Danger” brochure. SPIN participated in the concept and content. Phyllis Kopytko’s tragedy is highlighted. A brochure is not the goal - IT IS A TOOL. SPIN is working to distribute this brochure and deliver the message.   

2. SPIN propeller awareness teaching module “Preventing Propeller Accidents” is complete and is on the website. It was offered to NASBLA for inclusion in the standards or best practices.NASBLA standards were recently edited under “operators responsibility” to include “operating in a manner to avoid motor/propeller strikes.” Alaska specifically requested our module. As they revise their curriculum, they intend to incorporate significant data on propeller awareness. They stated, “we are all about prevention.” SPIN is hopeful NASBLA will consider more inclusive instruction. Phyllis Kopytko is our point of contact on all education issues. 

3. SPIN critiques National Parks Service concessionaire pre-rental disc, operations manual and checklist, and requested clear instruction and warnings to renters. We have no feedback from this effort to date.   

4. SPIN offers comment at the July meeting in Los Angeles, sponsored by the California Department of Boating and Waterways: “Boating Education Safety Law - Stakeholders Meeting”   

SPIN COMMENTS include:

(a) the request for state mandated  rental instruction,

(b) recognition for  the “uncounted”  -  the uneducated Californian who becomes a boating statistic for Arizona, Utah, and Nevada, and

f all fatalities from prop strikes and 31.4% of all injuries. SPIN has requested exposure hours for children l8 and under. We believe that children have significantly  less exposure to opportunity  BUT ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY involved in prop accidents. SPIN has requested the USCG seek guidance to justify regulation by reference to our children, the gross nature of injuries, the high incidence, and the intention of Executive Order 13045 “Protection of Children...” 

6. SPIN in Florida classrooms.  

(c) the conclusion that California, in failing to allow media access to boating accidents, loses an important opportunity to educated the public. 

            Pam Rudy presented the SPIN comment and highlighted the inexperienced rental boater by reference to the tragic death of her son in July 2005.  SPIN stated position supports mandatory education, across the board, and IMMEDIATELY. Pam will work to introduce current California education modules into her county school curriculum.   California, a leader is so many social issues, is an embarrassment to common sense to remain one of only six states failing to require boater education. California’s shame can be shown at a glimpse over six years. Again, in 2005 California is first nationwide in accidents and injuries, and second in fatalities. We are hopeful that these two stakeholder meetings will create a consensus and momentum to script a comprehensive safety law. We urge the Department of Boating and Waterways to take a proactive position.   

5. SPIN targets protection of children.

A USCG chart (1998 to 2004),  requested by Congressman Obestar, supplied information on children at risk from propeller strikes. Children 18 and under represent 20.2% “Behavior changes and safety messages bring success by reaching our children and focusing our young boaters/potential boaters, 7, 8, 9 year olds who are the conscience of the adult boater.” Using a front page article in the Florida Times Union as a springboard into education forums, Phyllis Kopytko conducted presentations to 2^nd and 3^rd graders.  As the SPIN delegate to the NASBLA education sub-committee and the Water Safety/Safe Boating Council Summit, she received very generous donations of child-specific materials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Safe Boating Council, U.S. Coast Guard, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Balistreri Consulting, Inc. And Sterns generously provided child life jackets which 67 children thoroughly enjoyed trying on after watching a show and tell demonstration and “fashion show.” Phyllis was amazed at the enthusiasm of the children. “They are like sponges. Innocent, yet bold with their questions, the experience was very gratifying,” she said. Contact Phyllis to see how this can be accomplished in your local schools. 

SPIN also wants to congratulate Florida for the public access to boating accident scenarios. A recent newspaper article, in announcing Florida’s intention to publish deadly boat accidents, stated “this will serve the state’s interest - to get people to think more about safety.” SPIN believes the press should be a strong partner in education by highlighting the accident scenario, in addition to safety warnings and instruction. We are very opposed to the provision of the Harbors Act which muzzles the press in California.