Not Golf but Boating

This may be a long blog today, but I felt it to be necessary for all locals and visitors to know. Many of us love being out on the water on boats and jet ski’s, it could be for fishing, water skiing, or pleasure cruising, but whatever the reason, we need to know a few safety tips that could save our own life as well as the lives of others.

I spend a major percent of my time out on the water and never really think about the “what if’s” you know…what if the boat sinks, what if someone falls over board, but last night my eyes were opened to these concerns. I went down to one of our public boat ramps to watch the fireworks display only to see a family in distress because one of their family members went out earlier in the day on a jet ski and had not returned. It was now 9:00 at night, I said my prayers for the family and watched as Marine Fisheries put their boat over to start their search. As of my writing this morning I have no knowledge of the outcome. But it has opened my eyes, we always think this could not happen to me, but it can. If you’re properly prepared the outcome can be a safe return to shore. I hope you will read this and take the advice that is being offered.

Boating Safety
Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. This includes anyone participating in any boating activity.
Alcohol and boating don't mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination -- over 50 percent of drownings result from boating incidents involving alcohol. For the same reasons it is dangerous to operate an automobile while under the influence of alcohol, people should not operate a boat.
Look for the label: Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for yourself and your passengers when boating and fishing.
Develop a float plan. Anytime you go out in a boat, give a responsible person details about where you will be and how long you will be gone. This is important because if the boat is delayed because of an emergency, becomes lost, or encounters other problems, you want help to be able to reach you. Most everyone has a cell phone - carry yours with you by putting it in a zip lock bag to keep it dry.
Find a boating course in your area (U.S. Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Sailing, etc) -- these courses teach about navigation rules, emergency procedures and the effects of wind, water conditions, and weather.
Watch the weather: Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Stop boating as soon as you see or hear a storm.
Be weather wise: Sudden wind shifts, lightning flashes and choppy water all can mean a storm is brewing. Bring a portable radio to check weather reports.
Bring extra gear you may need: A flashlight, extra batteries, matches, a map of where you are, flares, sun tan lotion, first aid kit, extra sunglasses. Put those that need to be protected in a watertight pouch or a container that floats.
Tell someone where you're going, who is with you, and how long you'll be away.
Then check your boat, equipment, boat balance, engine and fuel supply before leaving.

North Carolina Personal Watercraft Law The N.C. General Assembly enacted a personal watercraft law that took effect Dec. 1, 1999. On June 30th, 2000 this law was amended. Below is a summary of the law:
Who Can Operate a PWC?
• No one under 14 years old can operate a PWC in North Carolina waters.
• A person at least 14 years old but less than 16 years old, can operate a PWC if: they are riding with a person who is at least 18; or the youth has first successfully completed an approved boating safety education course (proof of age and safety course completion must be carried by the youth during operation of the PWC.)
• It is unlawful for the owner of a PWC to knowingly allow a person under the age of 16 to operate a PWC unless they have first completed an approved boating safety education course.
• It is unlawful for a person who has temporary or permanent responsibility for a person under the age of 16 to knowingly allow that person to operate a PWC unless they have first completed an approved boating safety education course.
• Any person that was 12 years of age or older on November 1, 2005 and has completed a NASBLA approved boating safety course or is accompanied by a person of at least 18 years of age may operate a PWC. PWC Operation
• No one can operate a PWC on state waters between sunset and sunrise.
• All PWC riders, passengers and those being towed must wear approved personal flotation devices.
• If the PWC is equipped with a lanyard-type engine cut off switch, the lanyard must be worn by the operator at all times.
• A PWC must have a rearview mirror or an observer on board besides the operator to legally tow someone on skis or similar device.
• PWCs must be operated at all times in a reasonable and prudent manner. Maneuvers that endanger people or property constitute reckless operation.
• No person shall operate a personal watercraft on the waters of this State at greater than no-wake speed within 100 feet of an anchored or moored vessel, a dock, pier, swim float, marked swimming area, swimmers, surfers, persons engaged in angling, or any manually operated propelled vessel, unless the personal watercraft is operating in a narrow channel (see below).
• No person shall operate a personal watercraft in a narrow channel (see below) at greater than no-wake speed within 50 feet of an anchored or moored vessel, a dock, pier, swim float, marked swimming area, swimmers, surfers, persons engaged in angling, or any manually operated propelled vessel.
• No person shall operate a PWC towing another person on water skis or similar device unless the total number of persons operating, observing, and being towed does not exceed the number of passengers identified by the manufacturer as the maximum safe load for the vessel.

Reckless Operation Includes:
• Unreasonable or unnecessary weaving through congested boat traffic.
• Jumping the wake of a vessel within 100 feet of the vessel or when visibility is obstructed.
• Intentionally approaching a vessel in order to swerve at the last moment.
• Operating contrary to the "rules of the road".
• Following too closely (see below) to another vessel, including another personal watercraft.

Following too Closely
• The term "following too closely" means proceeding in the same direction and operating at a speed in excess of 10 miles per hour when approaching within 100 feet to the rear or 50 feet to the side of another vessel that is underway unless that vessel is operating in a narrow channel, in which case a personal watercraft may operate at the speed and flow of other vessel traffic.