Stay safe while boating this summer in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – From kayaks to hurry boats, on rivers, lakes, and the bay, summertime is boating time.

However if you happen to’re not cautious, a day of enjoyable within the solar can flip tragic. There have been 47 accidents, and 19 individuals died in boating accidents in Virginia in 2021.

“We need to make it possible for individuals are being protected and having fun with the water,” stated Virginia Conservation Police Officer Justin Corridor.

The primary precedence when on the water is sporting a life jacket, and crucial factor is that it matches correctly.

“It’s not required to put on the private flotation system when you’re on the vessel, however they do must be accessible while you’re on the vessel, so that you’re capable of put them on in an emergency scenario,” stated Corridor.

Summer time storms pose one of many greatest risks to boaters since you’re one of many tallest objects in an open space; it places you at a better danger of being struck by lightning on a ship. The NBC12 climate app has interactive radar with lightning knowledge and will provide you with the First Alert to approaching storms.

“You probably have a climate app, make certain your location is about for the physique of water that you just’re going to be on, so that you’re conscious of any pop-up storms or approaching storms as a result of storms can come up in a short time while you’re out on the water and catch you off guard,” defined Corridor.

It’s necessary to remain hydrated within the warmth however not with alcohol. Boating underneath the affect will increase the chance of an accident, and authorized penalties are the identical as a DUI.

Should you comply with the following pointers, it will likely be easy crusing on the water this summer time.

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