Public Safety On The Water

We care about your safety. Before going out on the lake, remember the following basic water safety tips.

Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio. This will keep you informed of changing severe weather conditions.

Boating

Obey all boating laws.

Obey the Rules of the Road when boating.

Beware of shallow areas, underwater obstructions and floating debris when boating.

State law requires you to slow down to 5-mph speed limit when within 100 feet of all docks, swimmers, bridges and anchored boats. Turn on your navigational lights at night.

Water levels above and below the dams are subject to fluctuations without warning; obey all warning signs and sirens.

Exercise extreme caution when operating sailboats in the vicinity of overhead utility lines.

Children, 12 years & younger must wear a US Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket.

Reduce your boat’s speed in congested areas.

Alcohol mixed with boating can be lethal.

Hypothermia Kills - Dress properly and always wear a life jacket.

Skiing

Skiing is dangerous for non-swimmers.

Always wear an approved life jacket.

Stay in open water and watch for swimmers.

Always have an observer on board.

Swimming

Swim, dive and wade where you are familiar with the water depth & the bottom.

Check the water depth before you dive.

Life jackets, they float -- you don’t.

Swim with others - not by yourself.

Watch children closely.

Avoid the regular boat channels, launching ramps and docks.

Know your abilities because water distances are deceiving.

Never rely on toys such as inner tubes and water wings to stay afloat.

The following are four web pages on water safety:

www.uscgboating.org

www.watersafetycongress.org

www.safeboatingcouncil.org

www.agfc.com

Buoy and Navigational Aids