North Carolina, Get Ready for a Safe Boating Season
A boater displays required safety equipment to a wildlife officer during a routine inspection. A working fire extinguisher, life vests for all passengers, a whistle, a floating throw device and valid vessel registration are among the items shown.
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RALEIGH, N.C. (May 15, 2008)– Boating safety begins with preparation. That is the message from Capt. Chris Huebner, the state’s boating safety coordinator, as warm weather returns, reservoirs reach normal levels again and recreational boating begins in earnest.
“Before that first trip, take time to prepare,” Capt. Huebner said. “A few minutes beforehand inspecting equipment and getting ready could save many hours of distress and possible injury later. Wildlife officers will patrol the waterways across North Carolina to ensure safety, performing vessel inspections and watching for intoxicated and dangerous boaters.”
Important boating information is available online at www.ncwildlife.org, including the Vessel Operator’s Guide and a safe boating checklist.
Wildlife officers who patrol the state’s waterways also recommend:
- Wear a Life Vest: Everyone should, but children younger than 13 are required by law to wear a proper personal floatation device. In an emergency, wearing a life vest can be a lifesaver.
- Boat Safe, Boat Sober: Alcohol consumption can prove dangerous for operators and passengers. State law sets a .08 blood-alcohol level as intoxicated and illegal for operating boats and motor vehicles.
- Free Boating Education: Courses are offered at no charge across the state by the Wildlife Resources Commission. Completion also certifies anyone between the ages of 14 and 16 to operate a personal watercraft in North Carolina.
- Blue Light = No Wake: A vessel within 100 feet of a law enforcement vessel displaying flashing blue lights must slow to a no-wake speed. In narrow channels, the distance is 50 feet.
For more information on free boating education courses, safety and requirements, click here or call (919) 707-0031.
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