Summer 101: Preparation for a Day at the Lake
It’s summertime, so the water looks even more welcoming than usual. Any sunny day offers the perfect excuse for spending a day on the water, particularly for boat owners. While an ideal day out on the lake seems like a relaxing endeavor, the truth is that there are a lot of safety precautions and preparations necessary to ensure everyone has a good time and returns home safely. Goodhue wants you to get underway safely by...
Utilize for Vessel safety checks
A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a free program that ensures your watercraft’s equipment is complying with federal and state safety requirements and can be conducted just about anywhere. Depending on the size of your boat, this check can take just a few minutes but could be at most an hour to complete, and those who pass are awarded a sticker that alerts other law enforcement agencies that your boat was found to comply previously. Vessel examiners are trained to look for common issues that can occur, such as the overall condition of the boat, navigation lights, proper display of numbers, fire extinguishers, proper ventilation, backfire flame control, and more. They will also check to make sure the proper number of personal flotation devices are available for all members of your vessel and are the proper size for safety.
Pack a Boat Safety KIt
Here’s what should be included:
- Life jackets and wearable personal flotation devices (PFDs)
- Throwable flotation device
- Fire extinguisher
- Sound and visual signaling devices
- Anchor with line
- Bailing device, such as a bucket
- Oars or paddles
- Very High Frequency (VHF) radio and reliable cell phone
- Heavy-duty flashlight, knife, flares
- Medical kit for small emergencies
- Drinking water and nonperishable food items
Once you’ve made sure all necessary items are packed and stored safely on the boat, it’s time to make sure you have a full tank of gas and are ready to start your day in the sun!
Take your Boaters Saftey Course
All Virginia Boaters of a motorboat with a 10 hp or greater engine need to take a boating saftey course. once you complete the course, the course completion certificate or card that is provided by the course provider is what is required to operate a vessel.
Link to find a course:
https://dwr.virginia.gov/boating/education/requirement/steps-to-requirement/
Always be Courteous of Other Boaters
Brush up on the “rules of the road” if you plan to be the captain on your next boat day. Rules on the water don’t differ much from those you follow when driving your car, but it’s crucial to use common sense. Maintain a safe distance from others, follow all posted signs, and keep your wake low when near others. Stay alert at all times, observe safe speeds, and ensure that passengers remain on the boat when in transit.
Operating a boat while under the influence is illegal, much like on dry land. Nearly half of all boating accidents often involve alcohol, so it’s important to have a designated driver assigned.