National Safe Boating Week

May 16th starts National Safe Boating Week. Like every day should be Mother's Day, every week should be National Safe Boating Week. The message boaters will hear is “Wear It!" referring to lifejackets. That is because lifejackets save lives. You wouldn't put on your car's seat belt after an accident and the same is true with a lifejacket. It is too late to put one on after you fall into the water. Not only will a lifejacket keep you afloat, it will make it easier for you to be seen and rescued. And lifejackets are not just for people. There are lifejackets for dogs and cats. No matter which member of the family or friend on your boat, make sure the lifejacket is one of the proper size. Also, as part of National Safe Boating Week, you are urged to take a safe boating course. Even if you have taken one before, take it again as a "refresher" course. With boaters relying so much on their GPS navigation systems, it is important to remember how to navigate using a compass and a watch in case an electrical malfunction occurs or the GPS signal is inaccessible. And finally, get your boat inspected by a volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliarist or by someone in your local Power Squadron. Upon passing the examination, your boat will be issued a Vessel Safe Boating decal which will tell everyone that you practice safe boating techniques and it could also quite easily prevent the Coast Guard from boarding your boat on a hot Sunday afternoon. This coming weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, vessel examiners will be walking the docks at the Hingham Shipyard Marinas. Don't be afraid to ask one of them to inspect your boat. There are no penalties or fines if something is found wrong. The examiner will merely ask you to correct it so that you can display the Safe Vessel decal. The staff at the Hingham Shipyard Marinas wishes all boaters a safe and enjoyable 2009 boating season, and we look forward to servicing you.

Listen to the live broadcast of "Nautical Talk Radio" with Capt Lou and crew, Sunday mornings from 11 - 12 noon (Boston time) on radio station 95.9FM WATD, Marshfield, and streaming around the world on www.959watd.com. You can also listen to a replay of the most recent show anytime during the week at www.nauticaltalk.com.
* Winner of Mass/Rhode Island Associated Press "BEST TALK SHOW" * Recipient of Joshua James Lifesaving Medal for public service * Recipient of American Lighthouse Foundation's "LEN HADLEY AWARD" * Winner of Boston's Achievement In Radio "BEST INTERVIEW" AWARD * Nominated Boston's A.I.R. "BEST PRODUCED PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM"