The Qualified Captain shares tips to avoid a common boat ramp mistake

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A routine day at the boat ramp can quickly turn into an expensive disaster if boaters aren’t careful, according to Chris Juall, a boating safety specialist better known online as “The Qualified Captain.”

As part of his weekly boating safety partnership with WWAY, Juall highlighted a video showing a personal watercraft launch gone wrong when an SUV slid backward down a boat ramp and into the water.

“At first, it looks like what happens every day on a boat ramp — a jet ski being lowered into the water,” Juall explained. “Then all of a sudden, you see this SUV, this Jeep Grand Cherokee, start going back into the water.”

The vehicle eventually became submerged, likely resulting in significant damage.

Juall said the scenario is more common than many people realize, especially during the warmer months when algae builds up on boat ramps.

“What people don’t understand is that, especially during warmer months, at the waterline of a boat ramp, algae tends to form,” he said. “It can be so slippery — and when I mean slippery, I mean like oil on ice.”

According to Juall, the driver in the video backed too far into the water, allowing the vehicle’s rear tires to rest on the algae-covered portion of the ramp. With little to no traction, the SUV simply slid backward into the water.

The video also showed a jet ski operator attempting to push the vehicle back up the ramp.

“Newsflash, that never works,” Juall joked.

To help boaters avoid finding themselves in a similar situation, Juall shared three key safety tips:

1. Use four-wheel drive when available.
If the vehicle is equipped with four-wheel drive, engage it before launching. If not, consider using wheel chocks to help prevent the vehicle from rolling backward.

2. Watch for algae buildup.
Be aware of where algae has formed on the ramp and avoid positioning your tires in those areas whenever possible.

3. Don’t back too far into the water.
Keeping the vehicle farther up the ramp can reduce the risk of losing traction and sliding into the water.

Juall said a little awareness can go a long way in preventing costly mistakes and ensuring a safe day on the water.

The boating safety segment is part of an ongoing partnership between WWAY and The Qualified Captain, which provides boating education, safety tips and real-world examples of common mistakes on the water. Learn more on The Qualified Captain’s website.