SAN ANGELO, TX— As one of the year’s busiest boating weekends fast approaches, the Boat Owners Association of The United States has released a list of safety tips.
“At this time of year complacency can set in. You’ve had a safe boating season up to now, but don’t let your guard down just yet,” says Ted Sensenbrenner, Director of Boating Safety.
The following tips have been provided by the Boat Owners Association of The United States:
- Do you know where your flares are, or did you bury them under the inner tube in the back lazarette?
- Are life jackets serviceable, or has the dog eaten one? Have you periodically inspected any inflatable life jackets?
- Is your throwable (Type IV) personal floatation device still at the helm within easy reach, or did a guest hide it in the back under the stern seat?
- Are all of your navigation lights still working?
- Have you checked your U.S. Coast Guard Local Notice for Mariners lately to see if anything has changed, such as recent storms affecting navigation or infrastructure work?
- Over the course of the summer, have your boat trailer’s safety chains accidentally dragged on the pavement leaving them compromised? Are brake lights still operable?
Boat owners can also take a free online boating safety course from the Foundation at BoatUS.org/Free.
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