05-11-2010, 07:10 PM
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) is requesting you open your windows and look outside. It is warm out there. The water is looking great and it is boating time again.
Even though it is the first part of May, it is time to get the boat out of storage and get on the water. Before you do, there are certain precautions to take to make your boating season enjoyable, according to Lt. Tim Coleman, state coordinator for the DNR boating education program. For instance, inspect your boat for any mechanical defects and replace, if needed, any safety equipment. Make sure you have enough life jackets, they fit properly and are in good shape, and are readily available in case of an emergency. Check for a fire extinguisher and make sure it is properly charged and not rusted, and make sure you check all the bells and whistles, literally. Check the trailer and make sure the lights work, is well greased, and in overall good condition.
West Virginia's 2009 boating season was one of the worst in recent history with 36 boating accidents resulting in 12 fatalities. In an effort to make 2010 one of the safest boating seasons, the Law Enforcement Section of the Division of Natural Resources is stepping up its efforts to make the public more aware of safe boating with a two-front attack.
First, anyone born after Dec. 31, 1986, must first successfully complete a boating safety education class in order to operate a motorboat upon the waters of West Virginia. The DNR is putting on a "BLITZ" week of classes the week before the Memorial Day Weekend to meet the needs of the boating public. If you need a class, you can find one near you anywhere in West Virginia or go online and complete a course. Both are recognized in any state. Just visit www.wvdnr.gov and follow the boating prompts for either an online course or do the class search for a traditional class near you. Do it now before you hit the water; they will be full soon.
On the second front, officers are being trained now on how to better spot potential safety hazards and violations, including "Boating Under the Influence" violations. Areas of high incidents will be targeted as well as peak activity times. The public also can help by reporting violations they see to local law enforcement agencies.
Make it a cooperative effort to make 2010 one of West Virginia's safest boating seasons and enjoy our beautiful waterways.
Even though it is the first part of May, it is time to get the boat out of storage and get on the water. Before you do, there are certain precautions to take to make your boating season enjoyable, according to Lt. Tim Coleman, state coordinator for the DNR boating education program. For instance, inspect your boat for any mechanical defects and replace, if needed, any safety equipment. Make sure you have enough life jackets, they fit properly and are in good shape, and are readily available in case of an emergency. Check for a fire extinguisher and make sure it is properly charged and not rusted, and make sure you check all the bells and whistles, literally. Check the trailer and make sure the lights work, is well greased, and in overall good condition.
West Virginia's 2009 boating season was one of the worst in recent history with 36 boating accidents resulting in 12 fatalities. In an effort to make 2010 one of the safest boating seasons, the Law Enforcement Section of the Division of Natural Resources is stepping up its efforts to make the public more aware of safe boating with a two-front attack.
First, anyone born after Dec. 31, 1986, must first successfully complete a boating safety education class in order to operate a motorboat upon the waters of West Virginia. The DNR is putting on a "BLITZ" week of classes the week before the Memorial Day Weekend to meet the needs of the boating public. If you need a class, you can find one near you anywhere in West Virginia or go online and complete a course. Both are recognized in any state. Just visit www.wvdnr.gov and follow the boating prompts for either an online course or do the class search for a traditional class near you. Do it now before you hit the water; they will be full soon.
On the second front, officers are being trained now on how to better spot potential safety hazards and violations, including "Boating Under the Influence" violations. Areas of high incidents will be targeted as well as peak activity times. The public also can help by reporting violations they see to local law enforcement agencies.
Make it a cooperative effort to make 2010 one of West Virginia's safest boating seasons and enjoy our beautiful waterways.