| OSMB News |
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| Date: Friday, August 24, 2007 |
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Keep Labor Day Boating Cool and Safe
For Immediate Release
Labor Day Weekend is one of the top three boating weekends of the year at many Oregon waterbodies, and the Oregon State Marine Board wants to remind boaters to be cautious and courteous where it’s congested.
“On the coast, thousands of boaters are looking for salmon at Buoy 10 near Astoria, and thousands of people float down the Deschutes and other rivers,” says Ashley Massey, Public Affairs Specialist for the Marine Board. “Most lakes in the state are in good shape, but some reservoir water levels are beginning to drop. Factor in the waterbody congestion and the time it may take to launch.”
To avoid some of the frustration in your boating excursion, visit www.boatoregon.com for up-to-date reservoir access information. “There are so many great boating opportunities in Oregon, but be sure to go prepared,” Massey adds.
Marine officers will be on the water to assist boaters and help keep the waterways safe. “The top violations this summer involve not having life jackets, a boater education card or current boat registration. Other violations include reckless operation and alcohol,” says Massey. She suggests the following checklist to stay safe and legal this Labor Day weekend:
- Each boat (including kayaks and canoes) must have a properly fitting life jacket for each person on board. Life jackets need to be in good shape and readily accessible – not under a hatch or in its packaging. All youth 12 and younger must wear a life jacket when in the boat. Many people who have drowned would have survived if they were wearing a life jacket.
- Carry your boater education card. This year boaters 60 and younger operating over 10 hp need to have a boater education card. Youth 12-15 who operate a powerboat 0-10 hp alone must carry a boater education card. When operating a powerboat greater than 10 hp, youth must be supervised by a card-holding adult age 16 or older. When operating a personal watercraft, the supervising adult must be 18 or older. Educated boaters are less likely to be involved in accidents.
- Slow down and keep a proper lookout. Always obey the “5-mph, slow-no-wake” buoys or signs. Wakes can cause bank erosion and damage docks and other property. Remember to slow down within 200 feet of a dock, launch ramp, marina, moorage, floating home or boathouse, pier or swim float. Boaters also need to operate at slow-no-wake speeds within 200 feet of a shoreline on a lake, bay or reservoir, around swimmers, surfers, anglers or a diving flag.
- Boating and Alcohol. Officers are looking for intoxicated boat operators. If arrested, a violator can be fined $6,250, lose boating privileges for a period of time, and may even serve jail time. The Marine Board encourages boaters to leave the alcohol on shore. It’s safer for everybody.
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