TWRA brings awareness to boating safety as summer approaches
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — As the warmer days are upon us, many people are looking to get out on the water as much as they can.
“Memorial Day weekend is usually the first time people get their boats out,” said Amy Spencer, Outreach and Communication for TWRA. “So the most important thing to do is do a check of your boat.”
Boating and fishing and swimming and so much fun, plus a long weekend are right around the corner. However, that can quickly turn into the opposite if you’re not prepared and if you’re not careful.
“Check your life jackets. Make sure they are all in good, working condition,” said Spencer. “Make sure you check your fire extinguisher. Because, for most people, they are sort of out of sight and out of mind either in the console or in one of the compartments of the boat. Actually pull it out, look at it and make sure it is in good working condition.”
Not all of these are just simply safety regulations. Some of these are laws as well that you have to follow, or you may face consequences.
“Make sure you know your navigational rules. You can peruse that real quickly if you want to on our website at tnwildlife.org. One thing you also have to remember is anyone born after January 1st of 1989 is required to have boater education,” Spencer said.
One thing that has recently been introduced is you can take these tests online, so you don’t have to go to a class or go in person. It saves you plenty of time.
Not everyone is going to be in a pontoon or a speedboat or something with a motor. Some people are going to be in much smaller boats a lot closer to the water. There’s tips for them as well.
“Make sure its brightly colored. Make sure you’re wearing something brightly colored. You can also put a flag on them to make sure you are more visible to the boats. Remember, if you are out after dark you are required to have a white light on that kayak,” Spencer said.
Always remember that the safest boat is a drug and alcohol free boat.
It is best to check to make sure you have every working and in order a few days before you actually get out on the water.
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