Stay Safe While Boating this Summer

Stay Safe While Boating this Summer

Stay Safe While Boating this Summer

Summertime is when people love to be on the water to beat the heat and enjoy water activities.  We are fortunate enough to live next to the Ohio River, as well as several creeks, lakes, and streams, which enables us to enjoy boating and other water activities.

For the most part, these are safe activities if you follow the rules, but unfortunately, you will occasionally hear of a boating accident.

The following are a few safety tips to follow while boating.

  • Don’t operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Don’t overload the boat
  • Don’t sit on the edge of the boat
  • Drive at a safe speed
  • Use navigation lights at night
  • Keep a lookout for other boats and follow the rules of navigation
  • Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return

It’s important to check the weather forecast before you set out on a boat. You should also pay attention to the traffic on the water, always being alert for larger ships which may cause the water to become turbulent.  You should also have at least one personal flotation device (PFD) onboard for each person on the boat. Most boating fatalities are the result of a boat capsizing or a passenger falling overboard, and 80 percent of those were not wearing a PFD.

If you plan on boating this summer, please follow the rules and use your common sense.

Have fun!