"Water, water everywhere! Bring some along to drink!"

Boy was it HOT on the water this weekend! Mid to high nineties and it is still springtime. Thank goodness we had plenty of water on board. It is so important to stay well hydrated when you are outdoors. The hotter it gets, the more fluids you need to get into your body. There is nothing better than water to supply this need. Always put water at the top of your check list and never leave the dock or landing without it! Another tip for hot days is to keep a small towel on board to dip occasionally into your cooler. This can be placed around your neck and provide an instant cool down. Then, if you are still feeling the heat, find a shady cove, toss out the anchor and jump in. And don't forget to put on a life jacket!!!!

"Dock Hopping"

One of the advantages of living on the water is the opportunity to visit your neighbors and friends by boat. Around here we call it "Dock Hopping". You never know who you may find out on their dock. Last weekend we left our dock to do a little work for our real estate business. By the end of the day, we had traveled 60+ miles and visited several friends we hadn't seen in a while. It was one of the most enjoyable days I have spent on the water in a while. If you boat in the same area for a while, even if you trailer your boat, you will acquire friends all along the shore. So the next time you're out on the water and you are tired of doing the same thing, do a little "Dock Hopping".

"LIFE JACKETS SAVE LIVES!!!

I was just reading an article in the local newspaper about 2010 being an "Unusually deadly year for South Carolina's waters".It is only May and we have already lost a dozen people in our state in boating accidents. That number does not include the drownings not related to boating. DNR's budget has been cut by one third which means fewer officers on the water. Now, more than ever, we need to be more careful in all of our water related activities.. Everyone who gets into the water at a lake or pond should ALWAYS wear a life jacket. Unlike a swimming pool, the bottom has many holes and ledges that can change daily. It matters not that you are a good swimmer. I would tell Michael Phelps to wear a life jacket. Why take a chance? Also, you should never enter the water alone. A couple of Sundays ago, I was out on the boat with my 24 year old son and his roommate. I have always insisted on my children wearing life jackets in the water. As the roommate started to dive into the water, my son grabbed his arm and told him that he must first put on a life jacket. That was a great moment for me. All those years of insisting on the jacket had paid off. So parents, start them young so it becomes second nature to your children. But more importantly, set an example by wearing one when you get into the water.

Clean, clean clean!

OK, now that you have all of the loose stuff out of the boat, its time really clean the boat. Even though you cleaned it before you put it up for the winter, chances are you didn't have all of the stuff out when you cleaned it. Also, all kinds of creatures find a boat the perfect hiding place for the winter. This would be a great time to get all of the dirt dobber and wasp nest out before the pests return. Also, mold and mildew loves to hide behind all off the stuff you have removed and cleaned. So get out the scrub brush and give the boat a good cleaning. Also as you are cleaning, you will find things that need some repair before the season starts. Next time, we will give you some ideas on what might need to be repaired.

"Pull Back the Covers"

I am sure that each person visiting a boat show over the next few weeks will come home ready for the season to start. Even those who stay at home from the shows will soon be getting the "itch" to get out on the water again. One way to pass the time during the off months is to start getting your boating gear clean and ready for the season. The next time the weather man predicts a sunny day, pull the cover off the boat and remove all the life jackets and loose cushions from the boat. Inspect them for damage and replace or repair the bad ones. Make sure you clean them and store them in a clean dry place. They will be clean and ready to put back on the boat when you are ready for your first voyage of the new season. Also, by having all of the loose stuff out of the boat, you will have an easier time inspecting the boat and making any necessary repairs. Spending a few hours over the next few weekends will have your boat ready to start the season. I hear it is going to be nice this weekend.It's time to pull back the covers!

Happy New Year!

Yes, we are still here. The last few months have been crazy to say the least, however, it is time to get back in the blogging groove. First of all, I would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year. As we begin this new decade, we should strive to become a more informed boater. If you haven't taken a boating safety course, there is still time to get enrolled before the boating season begins. Also, it is Boat Show time! A great way to get spend a cold weekend day, even if you aren't looking for a new boat. The Atlanta show started today and runs through Sunday. Go check it out. It is always a great show. In the mean time, hang in there! The warm weather will be here before you know it!

Where Has The Summer Gone?

Fall will officially arrive in just a few short days. Most of the kids are back in school and the waterways are less congested. For those of us lucky enough to live on the water, this is a welcome sign. No more drunk parents pulling their kids on tubes in the main channel. I have already covered that in an earlier blog so we'll move on to something that I feel is very important. Boating can be fun and relaxing. However, without proper education, it can be the most dangerous activity you ever try. Getting proper boating education is very important and is a great way to be involved in boating in the cooler weather months. Most states offer boater education classes throughout the year. Even the most seasoned boater can pick up new information to help become a safer boater. The cost is minimal but the value is priceless. Knowing the law and knowing what to do in an emergency can save a life! So, as the days get shorter and the nights cooler, get on the Internet and find some boating classes. Your family will thank you! And all of your fellow boaters will love ya!