"Bridge Clearance"

I was speaking with a buddy of mine today and the subject of bridge clearance came up. So I thought it would be a good idea to mention the importance of knowing the bridge clearances in your boating area. First of all you should know how much clearance is needed for your vessel to pass safely under a bridge. You can determine the amount of clearance needed by measuring from the waterline to the highest point on your vessel. Most lakes have websites that give bridge clearance information. If you are having a problem getting the bridge clearance information, contact your state DNR or the Coast Guard and they will tell you where to find the information. On inland lakes and rivers, the distance is stated at "Full Pool". You then must make any adjustment for increases or decreases in levels. Coastal boaters need to check the Coast Pilot and local Notice to Mariners for changes to the Coast Pilot. All clearance information can be found in these publications. Don't get caught short on your next voyage. Make sure you can get under that next bridge.

"Happy Birthday, America!"

Today starts the celebration of America's birthday, July 4th. As usual, our lakes and waterways will see an increased amount of boat traffic. With fireworks events, picnics, regattas and parades, the lakes and waterways will be crowded. Unfortunately, a lot of these holiday boaters will be focusing only on having fun. Don't get me wrong. I love to have fun on the water just like the next guy. However, ALL boaters have a responsibility to be safe boaters. And remember, alcohol and boating do not mix. According to 2008 U.S.Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics, 17 percent of fatal boating accidents are a result of the operator using alcohol or drugs. Today starts Operation Dry Water. This is a national weekend of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) detection and enforcement. The purpose is to hopefully reduce the number of alcohol and drug related accidents and fatalities and foster a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water. Be a smart boater. It is tough enough to stay safe with the addition of inexperienced boaters on the water. Don't make it worse by using alcohol and drugs. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday!

Fire Extinguishers

All vessels are required to have a Type B fire extinguisher(s) on board if they have any closed compartments or permanently installed fuel tanks. This covers most boats but I suggest all boats carry at least one "Marine Type USCG Approved" type B on board. Always place the extinguisher in an accessible area so it can be reached immediately in an emergency. There are different requirements for different sizes of boats, so refer to your state boating laws for what you may need for your boat. Hopefully, most of you will never have to use the fire extinguisher. Therefore, it is vital that you include checking your fire extinguisher to make sure it is fully charged as part of your pre-departure check list. It might also be a good idea to buy a new one every two or three years and use the older one as a back-up.

"What are they thinking?"

Every time I venture out on a hot Saturday or Sunday, I am amazed at the lack of concern folks have for their children. I am always forced to slow or completely stop just to blend in to the channel. What is so frustrating about this is that people are pulling their children on tubes or skis in the main channel of the lake. Boats are flying in all directions creating monster wakes with the sole purpose of throwing the tube rider off of the tube. What are they thinking??? Buoys are placed to mark the navigation channels. These channels are to be used to navigate up and down a body of water. Some people must think the buoys are playground markers. There are plenty of coves and less traveled areas to have your tubing fun. Please leave the navigation channels for navigation.

Know Your Surroundings

Each time you go out on the water, you should pay close attention to landmarks and structures on the shore line. You never know when circumstances will cause you to be on the water after dark. All cell phone towers and water tanks have lights at the highest point. These lights are there to keep airplanes from hitting them. These lights also can be a beacon leading you back to your home port. Those of you that are familiar with nautical charts know that these landmarks are marked on the chart. However,if you boat on a smaller body of water and do not use charts, don't always depend on your GPS. They are man made and can fail. Knowing which light to follow will help you find your way. Finally, if you're not familiar with a body of water, get off the water before dark. It's a lot safer.

No Wake Zone

What does "No Wake Zone" mean? The question seems to be an easy one to answer. However, you would be shocked at the number of boaters that do not know the answer. I'm sure if you have been boating for a while this has happened to you. You pull up to the gas dock in your local marina and just as you start to secure your lines, a tidal wave slams your boat into the side of the dock. You then turn to confront the person and they look at you like you did something wrong. It is sad but there are a lot of people operating boats that do not know what idle speed is. Just in case some of these guys read this, let me explain. "Idle Speed" or "No Wake, Idle Speed" means a speed NO GREATER than that speed necessary to maintain steering. Another way to explain is to make sure your wake is not large enough to "white cap". Remember also that YOU may be the one at the dock the next time. Slow down people and be more considerate.