VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — National Safe Boating Week is May 20 - 26, and several agencies are sending out public service announcements to help keep everyone safe.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is reminding boaters that a good day on the water can turn tragic in seconds.
As we approach summertime, it’s a good time to make sure you have U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. There should be one for every person on the boat.
DWR Major Ryan Shuler stated, “As the law enforcement division of the primary boating agency of the Commonwealth, we strive to promote a safe environment for everyone that enjoys recreating on the water. To be as effective as possible, we need your help. Please check your safety equipment at the dock, tell someone when to expect you back, make sure your vessel is seaworthy, and always designate an operator if there is alcohol aboard.”
While at First Landing State Park, John Poch with Virginia Marine Police told News 3, "The main thing in this area is there’s going to be a ton of boat traffic. And it all narrows down from Broad Bay into "The Narrows." It’s that beach section up there where Broad Bay empties into Linkhorn, and it gets very congested and what people don’t realize is there are people on paddleboards, people on kayaks, canoes, all sorts of water vessels in one small congested area, so you have to watch your speed."
Speaking of speed, a new law is in effect in 2023. It's like the "Move Over" law on land. It essentially states that if you're within 200 feet of an emergency vehicle that has lights its blue or red lights flashing, operators need to be maintaining a "no wake" speed.
"It's just common courtesy to slow down so you don’t make a wake but now they’ve enacted it in law," said Poch.
Officials also stress education.
Virginia law states: "It shall be unlawful for any person, without first successfully completing a basic boating safety education course approved by the Director, to rent a personal watercraft to another person."
Here are some of the main safety tips DWR wants to stress:
- Life jackets: Everyone onboard should wear one
- Plan: Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return
- Education: Boat operators should take a safety course. Click here for more information
- Weather: Weather conditions and a marine forecast can be found on the National Weather Service website
