Boating Safety Tips

Big Bear Lake, CA, May 26, 2011, noon – This holiday weekend is the unofficial start of the summer boating season on Big Bear Lake. While you’re having fun out on the water, the MWD has some safety tips to keep in mind so your boating trip doesn’t turn into an unexpected tragedy. Launch Ramp Supervisor Tyler Cockrell tells Big Bear News there are some basic guidelines you should keep in mind if you’re weekend plans include boating on the lake. Bring your patience. Launch ramps and Marinas will be busy. All boats are required to have a quagga mussel inspection and lake permit. Remember Clean, Drained and Dry. If a vessel does not meet these requirements, they will be decontaminated at no extra cost. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. Intoxicated boaters often put themselves in dangerous situations such as leaning over the side of a boat, or jumping from one vessel to another. Intoxicated passengers also often stand or move about in vessels resulting in falls overboard, or causing the boat to capsize, placing all aboard in danger. Anyone who drinks alcohol on board is at risk. Always wear your PFD or Life Jacket! A PFD can dramatically increase your chances of survival. Sudden immersion in ice-cold water can cause temporary paralysis and drowning. Also, a PFD is required for all passengers on board your vessel. Children age 12 and under are required to wear a PFD while the vessel is underway. Lake Patrol will be out on the lake to assist boaters and enforce boating law. Call 866-5796 to contact Lake Patrol.

[audio:https://kbhr933.com/wp-content/uploads/SP30765.mp3|titles=Boating Safety Tips]