NEW JERSEY – Boating season is here and the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau would like to remind everyone that National Safe Boating Week is from May 21 through May 27.
The National Safe Boating Council recommends that all boaters and passengers not only have a life jacket, but wear it at all times while boating. Regardless of your age or experience level, the data shows that life jackets save lives.
In addition to wearing your life jacket (Personal Flotation Device), boaters should function check all of their safety gear before boating. This includes replacing waterlogged or dry rotted life jackets, checking the expiration dates on your Visual Distress Signals such as flares, visually inspecting your fire extinguishers for Coast Guard compliance, and making sure your audible device remains audible from a distance.
On your vessel, police suggest you check your safety lanyard, navigation lights, bilge pump, VHF radio, and your anchor with anchor line for readiness.
All children 12 years of age and under must wear a size appropriate life jacket on the boat, unless they are inside the cabin of a cabin vessel.
“We want everyone to enjoy their time on the water, so here are some tips boaters can follow in order to maintain safe and responsible boating practices,” state police said.
For additional safety tips and boating information, click here.
