The Dan River Basin Association (DRBA), in partnership with VisitMartinsville and Visit Rockingham County, is celebrating Safe Boating Week as the kickoff to summer. Summer is a great time to enjoy local waters. Whether you’re a boater, angler, or water sports enthusiast in the Dan River Basin, please remember to be responsible around the water. May 16-22, is National Safe Boating Week.
The Safe Boating Campaign, led by the National Safe Boating Council, offers these tips for practicing safety while boating:
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Wear a life jacket. No matter what activity you have planned on the water, always remember to wear a life jacket. Accidents on the water often happen too quickly to reach for a stowed life jacket.
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Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for your water activity, and fits properly. A life jacket that is too large or too small can cause different situational problems.
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Know state boating laws. Rules and laws can differ from state to state, and violations can result in ticketing, fines, or jail time.
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Take a boating safety course. Learn valuable tips that can help save your life in unexpected situations. DRBA is hosting paddle safety classes throughout the region. Events can be found at www.danriver.org/programs/recreation/paddle-safety-classes.
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Make sure your boat is prepared. Many items need to be checked and rechecked on any boat. Schedule a Vessel Safety Check with your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons before you hit the water. Every Vessel Safety Check is conducted 100 percent free of charge.
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Always file a float plan. File a float plan before you leave shore with someone you trust that includes details about the trip, boat, persons, towing or trailer vehicle, communication equipment, and emergency contacts.
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Check the weather, including the water temperature. Know the latest local weather forecast before going out, and keep a regular check for changing conditions. Water flow on rivers can change drastically due to upstream weather. Be sure to check your local USGS gauge for accurate flow information.
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Don’t drink while you boat. Where the primary cause was known, alcohol was listed as a leading factor in boating-related deaths.
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Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline-powered engines on boats, including onboard generators, produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas that can poison or kill someone who breathes too much of it. Be sure to install and maintain a working CO detector, never block exhaust outlets, and always dock, beach, or anchor at least 20 feet away from the nearest boat running a generator or engine.
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Keep in touch. Communication devices can be the most important piece of emergency equipment on board a vessel, especially in case of an emergency. Be sure to have and know how to use at least two communication devices that work when wet, such as satellite phones, emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), VHF radios, and personal locator beacons (PLB) such as a Garmin Inreach.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your boat, the water, sunshine, and fresh air responsibly. For additional boating resources and tips, please visit SafeBoatingCampaign.com or danriver.org/BeSafeOutdoors.
