Welcome to May! Hopefully, you have had a chance to get out on the water by now and enjoy our beautiful spring weather. With active pollen season (finally) behind us for a while, this is a good time of year to take those shake-down cruises and reorganize your boat as you prepare for the summer season.
For me, “reorganizing the boat” is like an archeological dig! It’s truly amazing how many dead sunscreen bottles, empty cans, dog toys, sunglasses, mooring lines, corkscrews, dog lifejackets, visors, etc., have turned up in seldom-explored parts of my boat. Last week I found a step ladder I forgot I owned in a stern compartment with my box anchor. (I don’t remember why I needed a step ladder on the boat in the first place- but I’m sure there was a good reason at the time.)
Clear out as much clutter as possible from your boat to make as much room as safely possible for your passengers and crew. With my boat reorganized, I had the honor of participating this month with some of the advocates from the Tribble Center, courtesy of the Golden Corner Lakes Sail & Power Squadron (GCLSPS). This group does great work in the community with events like this and boater education and safety. Learn more here, or click here to follow them on Facebook.
In addition to getting your onboard amenities organized, May is also a good month to check your safety equipment. Your safety check should include the following:
- Onboard fire extinguisher(s) charged and not expired.
- The throw cushion is in good floatable condition.
- Life jackets are in good condition. (and you have enough of the correct size for all passengers). Remember, children under seven are required to wear their jackets.
- If you have a v-hull boat (not a pontoon or tritoon) make sure that you have a manual bailer on board. Manual bailers don’t need to be complicated- an old plastic bottle with the bottom cut out to make a scoop is fine.
- Make sure that you have a signal whistle in the cockpit.
- Click here to review SCDNR's comprehensive list of state safety requirements.
While year-round lake dwellers have enjoyed the lake for a while, many will visit over the Memorial Day weekend to kick off summer. When the water is busy like it will be on Memorial Weekend, be a defensive captain. Don’t expect other boats to move out of your way. As a boat operator, you are responsible for doing whatever it takes to avoid an accident. With this in mind, here are some tips to help navigate the busy weekend safely:
- Keep your distance from other boats to allow more reaction time, if needed.
- Adjust your speed for the conditions ... if the water is rough, slow down!
- Check your navigation lights before leaving the dock or ramp before sunrise or at and after sundown.
- Be courteous with your wake.
- It’s always better to wear them, but have your life jackets easily accessible (not stored in a seat) for passengers.
If you have been following my blog, Thank You! As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t take myself too seriously. Boating safety, however, is another matter. That’s serious. Please stay safe on the water!
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