made in usa's blog

watch out for that boat!

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First, please click on the picture and read what the hat has on it. I was checked by a NC Wildlife officer in my boat last weekend and passed, so they gave me this hat. I'll be wearing it this weekend. 

Jordan, Falls, & Harris Lakes will be very busy on this coming Fourth Of July weekend, as will most of the lakes everywhere you go. This means that boat traffic will be extremely heavy. I say this from experience and with a plea for safety on the water.

  Last year on the Fourth, Jordan Lake was like Capital Blvd. on a Friday afternoon... without any red lights, speed limits, or lanes to follow.  Boats were going in all directions and at all speeds. Traffic patterns were lawless, and waves were coming from all directions. Seated in a small boat, I had to stay alert at all times to avoid disaster... from getting hit from any direction and from getting capsized from the waves the larger boats were producing. I gave up on fishing that day because of that, and simply cruised the lake at ease.

  Disasters can happen quickly on water, and help is more than just a phone call away. Ambulances do not float. And the rescue squads have to drive to the lake, launch their boats, and then find you on (or under) the water. Being prepared and taking precautions while having fun on the water is a necessity for your survival. Many people have let their guard down and are no longer with us...something that happens several times each year in our area.

   Here's some of my tips to protect you and your fellow shipmates, and even your swimming friends this coming weekend...

1. DO NOT drink and drive a boat. You can, and likely WILL BE, arrested if caught. But more importantly, you chance of having a fatal accident are greatly increased if you are under the influence of any drug or alcohol. And the unlucky person could be you, someone in your boat or another boat, or even a swimmer. It just ain't worth it.

2. Be kind unto others! On several occassions, I've had large speedboats pass by closely while the driver made the biggest wake they could only to turn around and watch their waves rock my little boat to the point of where I almost was thrown overboard. Not only is this rude, but it is very dangerous. Please don't get your kicks like this. Someone could drown.

3. It's now a law...KIDS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A LIFE JACKET AT ALL TIMES WHEN IN A BOAT. And make sure there's one for everyone onboard, or you'll be paying a dear price if caught without them or have a sudden need for them.

4. Don't make sudden turns until you look to see that it is safe to do so. This applies especially to jet skis, whom I might add are the worst of the worst boat captians on the water.

5. If your plans include swimming, then keep an eye on everyone in the water, and never take your eyes off the kids. Drownings can be avoided if we are careful and alert.

6. I love this one because it is so true. Just like wearing the seatbelt in your car, wearing a life jacket while boating or swimming can be the difference between life and death.

   Please have a fun and safe weekend. It's almost here!!!!!!! And feel free to post your own safety tips or any related stories you've experienced.