Boat safety board needs candidates

THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published November 2

OLYMPIA -- State officials are looking for nominations to a boating safety council.

The deadline for submitting nominations is Nov. 9 for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission's Boating Safety Advisory Council.

The council meets two to three times a year to help and advise the commission on its boating safety program. Council members may be reimbursed for travel expenses.

Appointments include representatives of manually powered watercraft, U.S. Power Squadrons, Washington Association of County Officials and whitewater kayaking. The appointments will be made Dec. 13.

For information or an application, call 360-586-6600 or e-mail james.horan@parks.wa.gov

- COLD WATER TIPS: Cold water kills and many drownings are the result of hypothermia.

The Boat Owners Association of the United States notes that wearing a life jacket adds to survival time in cold water. But the more energy someone spends after going overboard, the faster their body temperature drops.

The association recommends:

- Keep your clothes on.

- Get out of the water as quickly as possible.

- Don't try to swim -- except to get out of the water.

- Huddle together with others in the water.

For more information, call 800-336-2628 or e-mail BoatingSafety@BoatUS.com.

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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