National Boating Safety Week urges precautions for Memorial Day weekend

May 21—With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, area residents and visitors are urged to put safety at the forefront — and National Boating Safety Week, May 18-24, comes at an opportune time.

Grand River Dam Authority Communications Director Justin Alberty said he breaks down the matter with the saying, "You want to boat safe. You want to boat smart and you want to boat sober."

Alberty said safety begins with a lifejacket, and how parents wearing a lifejacket is a good model for children.

Abby Jones, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers natural resource management specialist Tulsa district, said a main safety feature for anyone who is either swimming or boating is a properly-fitted lifejacket. Alberty said a lifejacket should not be one a child can grow into; it needs to be snug the day they family goes onto the water.

"If you're 12 and under, you have to wear one, so adults don't necessarily have to wear one, [or those] 13 and up, but we highly recommend wearing one," Jones said.

Memorial Day weekend will be the first time many folks will get out on the water this season, and Alberty said that should present an opportunity for people to check the quality of their lifejackets.

Jones said she recommends a lifejacket that is approved by the U.S Coast Guard. The proper fit of a lifejacket for a child can be determined by staying within the jackets' weight guidelines and by having the child try it on in store. Adult lifejackets are measured by the chest circumference and should also be tried on before purchasing. Inflatable lifejackets for adults are also available for those who are not boating or skiing.

Jones said recreationalists need to obey the buoys near marinas, but the "no wake" buoys are often ignored by boaters.

Bryce Lubbers, Burnt Cabin Marina and Resort co-owner, said visitors to marinas should abide by the no-wake zone and not pull tubes behind boat into the area.

"The biggest thing we tell people is just slow down," Jones said. "You don't need to be in that big of a hurry to go and fill up with gas so you can go back out on the water. Take your time."

Lubbers advised being responsible and cautious when boating. The marina is expected to have a lot of traffic over the Memorial Day weekend, so vigilance will be important.

"There's going to be a lot of people out, so always have your head on a swivel so that way you're not looking around everywhere and just being cautious," Lubbers said.

Boat drivers should know the vessels they are operating, and should also be familiar with the lake. Alberty said boaters should watch out for others, follow the proper rules, and have a float plan.

"If you're camping somewhere on the lake and you're going to go out on the water, let somebody responsible on the bank know where you're going and how long you'll be gone," Alberty said.

Boaters need to be aware of the weather to ensure they can safely exit waterways in prudent fashion. If a storm starts to brew, Lubbers recommends those on the lake take shelter at the nearest marina. Those who are anchored in coves should hunker down for shelter and not try to fight the storm.

"Rain's not so bad, but if it is storming, get to your closest marina, park it, get underneath some shelter. That's about the safest way you can handle it," Lubbers said. "Trying to put up a boat on a trailer if it's storming is not a good idea. It's a pain, and I've seen people almost get hurt doing it."

Since the area has dealt with abundant rain lately, Jones said boaters should watch out for floating debris and other items that might be in the water due to flooding.

Boaters should have several items with them before leaving the ramp, including a charged phone, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and sound-producing device — like an air horn or whistle.

"A horn is usually what most boats have. Just a whistle. That's always a good thing to have," Jones said.

Boating sober is an aspect Alberty said speaks for itself. A designated driver should be established prior to going out on the water.

Memorial Day weekend is expected to produce large crowds at lakes and rivers.

"The lakes and rivers are big enough for everybody to come out and enjoy, but they just need to take a little extra time on the big holiday weekends and use some common sense and look out for the other guy," Alberty said.

Anyone experiencing an emergency on the water should call 911. The nonemergency line for GRDA-covered areas is 918-256-0911.