While summer boating brings great pleasure to most, one expert shared a bevy of resources for boaters to stay safe and avoid tragedy as water accident figures climb. 

Capt. Geoff Fahringer is a 50-year career law enforcement officer who worked in upstate New York where he was a SWAT officer and major crimes detective. He joined the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, where he was part of the sheriff’s department dive team. He is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard boating captain and boating safety expert. 

“One of the most common dangerous things that I’ve seen on the water in my experience is people are just untrained,” Fahringer told Fox News Digital. 

People gather on boats anchored on Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020.  (Taylor Glascock/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

He also offered some less obvious tips and safety training ideas that boaters may not consider. 

“A lot of people rely on a cellular phone, which don’t always work, especially if they go offshore,” Fahringer said. “A VHF radio really is a must. And if you have a radio in your boat, get in the habit of turning it on, even if it’s turned down in the background.” 

People hold American flags on July Fourth. (FilippoBacci/Getty Images)

VHF radio channel 16 is the universal distress channel. He said marine authorities often hear and respond to calls on that channel before 911, which can help especially if a boat is far from the shore. 

“You need to be your own first responder in a lot of cases,” he said. That channel 16 VHF radio, [helps] both for you to be able to call for help, but also you could have someone in distress that’s literally 200 yards away. And you could be that person to save someone if you’re aware of what’s going on.”

Taking first aid classes, or at least bleed-stopping training, can also be very valuable in a situation where help is far away. 

Four were injured in a boat crash at Meschutt Beach after hitting a jetty. Responders included Southampton Town PD, Coast Guard and NYS Police. (Loudlabs NYC)

Danger can lurk in the water, too. 

Fahringer cautioned of stinging jellyfish, riptides, sharp objects that can cause abrasions and potentially harmful bacteria, which are common issues faced by those swimming in the water. 

At the end of the day, Fahringer said, boaters should enjoy being on the water, but a little bit of caution goes a long way to ensuring safety.