Safe Boating Tips! - Enjoy Your Memorial Day Weekend on the Lake

Posted by Daniel Clayton on May 28, 2012

Spent a great day on Center Hill Lake yesterday with Bonnie Cribbs (follow @boatingBonnieC).   My daughter and son enjoyed tubing, and my son did some skiing as well. I even did some tubing and skiing and I am not too sore this morning :)

Bonnie loves the lake. He is one of the most safety conscious boaters I know.

With so many people on the lake this weekend - and with it being the official start of the summer boating season - I thought it would be good to post some boating safety tips.

• Boater's fatigue is real, and it can wear you down. The US Coast Guard warns people about this condition, created by the combination of wind, noise, heat, and vibration of the boat. All these elements can mentally and physically fatigue boaters and subsequently impair their judgment.
• Personal flotation devices, otherwise known as life jackets, are vitally important for everyone on board the boat, be it a canoe or a speed boat. Some states even require children under a certain age to wear life jackets, so if the little ones complain about wearing the big orange life vest, tell them it's the law.
• Boating and alcohol don't mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm. Coupled with boater's fatigue, folks on a boat will feel the effects of alcohol faster than they would on land. Plus, driving a boat while intoxicated is illegal.
• The wind can keep you cool and make you forget you're in the sun, but don't forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours and always after swimming. Lube up even if it's overcast since UV rays can still damage your skin through clouds.
• Watch the weather to keep an eye on local weather conditions, and be prepared for electrical storms. Water conducts electricity, so you don't want to find yourself on the open water during a lightning storm.

Let's have a great Memorial day weekend and a Safe Summer boating and enjoying the lake!

Source, http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com