Boating safety tips

If you own a boat, it might be one of the best ways to spend a hot summer day out on the water. But in order to stay safe, there are a few things you need to know. Coast Guard fireman Justin Dennis says, “if you own your boat or you are on any boat, you need to know where everything is on that boat, and everything about it.”

Here in wrightsville beach, the Coast Guard makes its usual rounds along the Intracoastal Waterway. Searching boats randomly to make sure they’re equipped with the right safety gear.

Justin Shackleford says “the boarding will go very smoothly if you have everything on board, and then there is no reason for us to write any kind of citation. It will be quick and easy, we’ll give you your receipt showing you are in compliance, and you’ll be on your way.”

So to make sure you’re up to speed, the following things need to be on your boat. “A valid registration for your boat, they should have that registration card with them. they need to have a life jacket for everyone on board the vessel. they need to have a type four throwable device. they need to have a fire extinguisher on board and a sound producing device.”

Once you pass the test, you can cast off on the right foot, with one tip from the Coast Guard. “Whether you have a big boat or a little boat, you need to know what your boat can handle.”

Depending on how big your boat is, there may be different safety rules, but they are all in place to help you enjoy every nautical mile.