Some safety tips for when you are out on the water

With great spring fishing already upon us, here are a few tips that can make the upcoming season healthier and safer.
Have you had a visit with the dermatologist for your skin cancer screening yet this year? Do yourself and your loved ones a favor and go. It may save your life. If you’re like me just the mere thought of going to – any – doctor makes my palms sweat weeks before the appointed time but “sometimes ya just gotta do what ya gotta do” especially if you’re an angler here in Southwest Florida.
Skin cancers that come in many various shapes, sizes and colors are easily misdiagnosed by the untrained eye and why it’s vital to get checked out by a pro. If you spend a lot of time on local waters going twice a year is a better policy. Even if you don’t fish, golf, play tennis or fry yourself to a crisp on Florida’s beaches, you are a potential victim. Not long ago a good friend died from skin cancer issues. She hated the sun and being a librarian, most of her very limited sun exposure occurred driving to and from work during the sun’s off peak hours. She had fair skin and a matching snow white tan yet cancer found her. Get checked out.
I’ve heard it said many times that skin cancers later in life are caused by over-exposure during our younger years. Do the kids a favor and cover them up. One thing parents often miss is protecting children’s eyes. Well-meaning parents wearing today’s ridiculously overpriced eyewear coat the kids with gallons of skin protection products, cover them up with hats and clothes, yet neglect to protect precious eyes.
Like with most diseases, proactive prevention and screenings save lives.
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You’ve spent a fortune on that new boat and another bundle on that second engine to bring you back in “just in case,” yet skimp on safety gear that could save you and your crew’s life?
Here’s a basic offshore list to consider:
• A float plan. Let folks know the general area you’ll be fishing. Supply general GPS numbers if possible.
• Enough food and water to last two or more days per person.
• A clean, updated and well-stocked first aid kit, not some moldy, damp, outdated junk in a well-hidden box.
• Engine kill switches
• EPIRBS or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons
• PLBs
• Inflatable rafts/floats
• VHF-FM marine band radio
• Heavy duty offshore life jackets
• Flares, signaling mirrors, rockets
Just as important, don’t challenge Mother Nature or hang around to catch just a few more in the face of obvious coming danger. When suddenly your 25-foot bay boat seems like a 16-footer in heavy weather or when everyone’s hair is standing straight out moments before that lethal lighting strike, it’s more than likely you’ve bit off far more you and the gang can chew. Don’t be that captain! Better to stop at the local fish market on the way home then to be reported missing at sea and presumed dead.
If you’ve been a reader of this column for any length of time I’m sure you’ve heard this piece of advice before as I use it often and for good reason. The number one way to save big bucks on engine repairs is to change out your fuel/water separating filter on a regular basis. A full 50% of very expensive marine engine repairs are ethanol/water sludge related. No special high tech knowledge needed to perform this basic task. If you can screw a lid on a jar you’re golden. Consult YOU TUBE for visual instruction. Use a marker and print the install date on the filter.
Use non-ethanol fuels when possible and treat all fuels with conditioners especially ethanol laced fuels that sit for any period of time in boat tanks that bake for weeks and months in summer’s heat and humidity.
Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. You can contact him at 239-579-0461 or via email at captgeorget3@aol.com.
To reach GEORGE TUNISON, please email news@breezenewspapers.com