Boaters gearing up for Memorial Day weekend should take heed of safety tips during National Safe Boating Week, a precursor to the unofficial start of boating season. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission have issued a safety checklist for water enthusiasts planning to take advantage of the holiday weekend.
According to NewsChannel5, TWRA Boating Education Coordinator Betsy Woods emphasized the importance of sobriety on the waters, "Be sure to boat responsibly, keep alcohol at a minimum, make sure your boat is in good working order, and by all means wear your life jacket, it may indeed save your life." Getting out on the water, she urged for vigilance and taking boating safety courses before embarking on a marine adventure.
Similarly, a report from MIX 92.9, echoes the necessity of life jackets and the avoidance of alcohol. They also recommended having a float plan that details the planned route and inventory aboard to someone on shore and following a checklist to ensure that the necessary equipment and communications devices are on board.
As per information obtained by FOX 43, apart from the usual safety protocols, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission also issued a note that the weather should always be checked for storms and high water and ensure the boat's proper registrations or launch permits. During the boating season, Waterways Conservation Officers will be patrolling, looking for boaters impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Whether on lakes, rivers, or the ocean this Memorial Day Weekend, staying informed and prepared is key to ensuring safety on the water. Boaters are encouraged to undertake the simple checks and measures that could mean the difference between life and death, ensuring that the holiday weekend is remembered for all the right reasons.
