WWAY partners with The Qualified Captain to spotlight wake safety reminder during boating season

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As more boaters head back onto the water for the busy summer boating season, Wilmington-based social media influencer The Qualified Captain is reminding people to stay aware of their surroundings and understand no-wake zones before leaving the dock.

The latest boating safety segment from Qualified Captain focused on the dangers of excessive wakes in slow-speed and no-wake areas.

In one video, a boat speeds past a dock in a no-wake zone, sending a large wake into another vessel tied nearby and causing visible damage to both the boat and dock.

Qualified Captain safety instructor Chris Juall said many boaters either become distracted or fail to recognize when they are entering designated slow-speed zones.

“They’re just clueless. They’re occupied doing something else. They don’t know the rules, they don’t know where the slow speed or no wake zones are,” Juall said. “If you are like this guy, and you cause a big wake and damage to a boat, you’re responsible.”

Juall said boaters should focus on three key areas to remain “wake aware”: knowing the speed zone, understanding how their boat handles in the water, and maintaining situational awareness.

“If there’s a lot of structure around you that’s in a narrow channel, there’s restaurants or marinas, you’re in a slow zone,” Juall said. “There’s no way you’re going to kick up a big wake there.”

Juall also warned that large wakes can create dangerous situations for smaller boats nearby and said operators can be held responsible for damage caused by their wake.

“That breaking wave is going to go possibly right on that small boat and cause major problems,” Juall said. “And again, you are responsible for all of this.”

You can click here to register for The Qualified Captain State Boating Course.

Check back in the near future for more content in partnership with The Qualified Captain.