There is nothing better than a summer day on the water. As Minnesotans, we can't wait to get on the water, and living in the Perham lakes area, provides us with lots of opportunities. Here are some boater safety tips in order to make your day on the water perfect.  

Whether you're on a fishing boat, pontoon, sail boat, or a canoe, you need to have safety at the top of your mind.  

1. Always Wear a Life Jacket

  • Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, especially if you don't know how to swim. 
  • Have a life jacket for everybody who is riding in the boat. Every time you go out on your boat, you need to make sure you have enough life jackets. 
  • If the life jackets are stored under the seats, pull them out. In an emergency, they aren't going to do anyone any good if they aren't readily available 
  • Minnesota law requires kids under 10 to wear a life jacket 
  • Minnesota law requires anyone on a personal watercraft (Jet Ski, Wave Runner, Sea Doo) to wear a lifejacket no matter the age 
  • You must have a throwable floatation device on board and readily available if your boat is over 16 feet 
  • Consider a life jacket for your pet 
  • Inspect your life jackets and throw away any old or worn ones 
  • Make sure you have the proper size life jackets for anyone who is consistently on your boat. Check the weight ratings.  

2. Remember Alcohol and Boats Don't Mix 

Don't drink and drive your boat. Just like driving your car, get a designated driver if you plan to drink. According to the MN DNR, 30% of all fatal boating accidents involve alcohol. 

3. Be Weather Aware 

Check the weather before you head out on the boat. If it looks like it's going to bad, don't go out. Storms can come out of nowhere so keep an eye on the sky while you are out on the water. If a storm does come up, take it slow and head for the shore.  

4. Be Aware or Your Surroundings 

Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are unfamiliar with the body of water, look up any hazardous areas or ask around. Slow down in high traffic areas. Keep an eye out for swimmers, tubers, paddle boarders and jet skiers where someone might be in the water. Give them plenty of room and drive slowly to create a smaller wake.  

5. Know Basic Boating Regulations 

  • It's important to know and follow basic boating rules and regulations. You need to know what the various buoys mean and who has the right away. Don't know? Find out on (https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/boatwater/boatingguide.pdf) 
  • Kids ages 12 – 17 should get their Minnesota water operator's permit (https://www.boaterexam.com/usa/minnesota/) 

6. Understand Basic Boat Safety 

  • Don't stand up or sit on the edge when the boat is moving 
  • Before going out, check to make sure your lights work 
  • Bring a phone with you 
  • Tell someone your plans especially if you are going out alone 

7. Make a Boater Safety Checklist 

  • Lifejackets for everyone on the boat 
  • Throwable flotation device 
  • Fire extinguisher 
  • Ropes to secure boat 
  • Oars or paddles 
  • Phone to call for help 
  • Whistle or horn 
  • Flashlight 
  • Sunscreen  
  • First aid kit 
  • Full tank of gas

__________

Mark Ebeling, Perham EMS