NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau is reminding residents to practice safe boating habits during National Safe Boating Week, which runs through May 22.
State Police said the annual campaign is aimed at promoting safe recreational boating practices as warmer weather brings more people onto New Jersey waterways.
According to the Marine Services Bureau, the National Safe Boating Council recommends all boaters and passengers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on the water.
“Accidents on the water happen too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket,” State Police said.
Officials also reminded boaters that children age 12 and younger are required to wear a properly sized Coast Guard-approved life jacket while aboard a vessel unless they are inside an enclosed cabin.
The Marine Services Bureau encouraged boaters to inspect safety equipment before heading out, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, navigation lights, bilge pumps, anchors and VHF radios.
State Police also urged boaters to monitor weather conditions, use sound judgment and never operate a vessel under the influence.
Additional boating safety information is available through the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau website at www.njsp.gov/marine.
