Happy National Boating Safety Week!

You may not be aware, but May 20-26 is National Safe Boating Week, which is great timing for some key safety reminders as the weather warms and people start heading to the water. Most boaters that are involved in accidents have never taken a boating safety course. An easy way to change that is to watch these easily digestible short videos that I recommend for anyone (whether you drive a boat or not) to watch:

Even if you feel like you don’t have time to watch videos or take boating classes, here are a few reminders to help keep you and your friends safe if you are planning on spending time on a boat:

1. Always check the forecast before you leave shore. A good website to use is: https://www.weather.gov/marine/
2. Be sure everyone on the boat wears a U.S. Coast Guard approved, properly fitting life jacket (also called Personal Floatation Device, or PFD). Go here for a description of different life jackets and how to choose the appropriate one for your water activity (https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/personal-flotation-device.html).

3. Expect to be cold on the water (and possibly wet!), so plan accordingly by bringing lots of layers stored in a dry bag (if you have one) as well as wet weather gear, including rubber boots, which I highly recommend.
4. Always maintain a proper lookout and be aware of other boaters and the environment while boating. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you see anything that concerns you!
5. Make sure you know how to use a VHF radio, if your boat has one. Here is a short video that walks you through this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6st0cGy_fWM
6. There are many dangers to boating under the influence.  Protect your life and others – never BUI!

So, with these safety reminders under our PFD’s, let's go out to the water and have fun! But please remember to BE SAFE!

Kyra.