Saturday, May 20th 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 15th 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.
Image: Deputy County Administrator Coon presents resolution to Mr. Palmer of the Lake Anna Advisory Committee.
