Nearly 90 percent of the people who drowned last year during recreational boating activities were not wearing a life jacket, according to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2015 recreational boating safety statistics record.
Drowning was the cause of death in at least three-fourths of all boating fatalities.
Only 15 deaths occurred on a boat operated by someone who had received safety instruction.
The numbers don’t lie.
Being educated and aware while engaged in maritime recreation will save lives. Being an island, of course, watery fun is an integral part of life on Bainbridge, and ensuring island aquatic aficionados are aware of the safety regulations and all of the facilities, programs and services available to them here is the main tenet behind the annual Boater’s Fair, which is set to return to Eagle Harbor Waterfront Park (299 Shannon Drive NE) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 4.
Organized by Harbormaster Tami Allen, the day’s free festivities run the gamut from educational displays and demos to hands-on games and challenges.
New to the lineup this year is a nautical swap meet and a small boat auction from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A couple of kayaks and a 9-foot wood dingy are on the block, and cash or check payments will be accepted from the winning sealed bids.
Also on the agenda:
Learn to sail with the Bainbridge High School sailing team, or aboard the Ketut, Yankee Clipper, and Blue Pearl — the stars of the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Parks and Recreation District’s educational fleet;
Test your paddling skills and balance in the canoe-based tug of war games or the stand up paddle board joust;
Join the Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety booths to learn knot-tying, cruise planning, vessel inspection requirements, take part in activities for the kids and enjoy a free hot dog;
Come aboard a 45-foot Coast Guard Cutter and watch a live helicopter rescue;
Try your handle at the heaving lines and haul away with Kitsap Maritime Heritage Foundation;
Visit the Bainbridge Island Police Department’s 33-foot safe boat “Marine 8” and welcome her little sister, “Marine 11;”
Come aboard the 26-foot Suquamish Tribe Fisheries boat and meet the dive team;
Visit with city staff and get the latest on the city dock improvements, marine water quality and volunteer programs;
Grab a copy of the Kitsap Water Trails map and learn more about the upcoming “Paddle Bainbridge” event.
Washington Sea Grant’s Aaron Barnett will also be there, handing out free pump out kits and discussing ways boaters can prevent sewage and oil spills.
Visit www.bainbridgewa.gov/683/Boaters-Fair or contact Allen at 206-780-3733 for more information.
