21Oct
Boating Tips and Etiquette: A helpful set of basic Safety and Social boating standards.
SAFETY TIPS and ETIQUETTE
- Take a boater education course to learn more about navigating waterways in a safe manner.
- Make sure to carry a Personal Floatation Device for each person on board.
- Always carry a Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher and flares.
- Carry a Global Positioning System (GPS) and know how to use it.
- Operate at safe speeds.
- Always try and go boating with a partner.
- Apply sunscreen, drink lots of water and watch your energy level.
- Check the weather forecast for your destination. Plan clothing accordingly.
- Know distress signals and warning symbols.
- Make sure you have enough fuel and oil for your trip.
- Enclose your owner’s manual and registration in waterproof containers.
- Pack ample tools and supplies.
RESPECT TIPS and ETIQUETTE
- Be respectful of all people on and around the waters.
- Be aware of other boaters, objects and swimmers.
- Be aware of noise level, especially around shore.
- Never try and jump a wake. If crossing a wake, slow down and keep a close lookout for skiers, etc.
- Follow signs and barriers; including no-wake zones and underwater obstructions.
- Share the boat ramp area by launching and retrieving your boat as quickly as possible.
- Avoid sensitive areas and operating your watercraft in shallow waters or near shorelines at high speeds.
- Always launch at a designated boat ramp. Backing a vehicle on a riverbank or lakeshore can damage the area and leads to erosion.
- Always travel slowly in shallow waters. High speeds lead to large wakes, which cause shoreline erosion.