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Posted on: May 16, 2023

LOUISA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PROCLAIM MAY 20-26, 2023 AS NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2022

LOUISA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PROCLAIM MAY 20-26, 2023 AS NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK

LOUISA, VIRGINIA – Saturday, May 20^th kicks off National Safe Boating Week and the Louisa County Board of Supervisors are joining the campaign to encourage safe, responsible boating. Signing a resolution at their May 15^th meeting, the Board urges all those who boat to practice safe habits while on Lake Anna or other waters of the County.

The Board’s resolution provided some staggering statistics to include 75% of the 650 fatalities each year in boating-related accidents in the U.S are due to drowning. National Safe Boating Week stresses the importance of US Coast Guard-approved life jackets at all times while onboard, and marks the beginning of a year-round effort to promote safe boating through obeying laws and staying current on regulations.

In addition to reflecting on behaviors like sober boating to stay safe, the Louisa County Board of Supervisors asks residents and visitors to review the following tips for securely returning to shore:

Find a comfortable style of life jacket with a proper fit
Take a boating safety course
Check equipment
Use an engine cut-off switch
Check the forecast
Have more than one communication device
Follow speed limits
Provide someone on land with trip details before leaving the dock
Remove aquatic organisms and vegetation from trailers and equipment
Adhere to fire extinguisher requirements

New laws are in effect this year and boaters should review the Virginia’s boating laws in Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ (DWR’s) Freshwater Fishing & Boating in Virginia: January-December 2023.

COUNTY OF LOUISA
Duane Adams, Chairman
Board of Supervisors