GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – As the weather heats up many are taking to the water.
“It’s finally warm, finally get out on the boat, spend some time with family,” said Matthew Wyngaard of De Pere.
But before you back the boat trailer into the water, and motor out, The U.S. Coast Guard tells WLUK it’s important to also keep safety in mind.
“Reminding boaters to stay safe,” says Austin Olmstead of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Green Bay station.
Olmstead says there are a few basic boating tips, starting with designating a lookout.
“Having somebody looking out for buoy’s or other objects, stuff in the water.”
The Coast Guard also offers free vessel safety checks
Olmstead suggests being mindful of your speed, especially at night.
“There’s no reason at night to go just as fast as you do during the day, it’s not like you’re driving down the highway, where you have road lights to help you.”
Before hitting the water Olmstead says boaters should always keep certain materials in case of an emergency.
“On the bay they are required to have flares on board, and if it’s a gas engine, engine inside the boat, fuel tank is inside the boat, you have to have a fire extinguisher.”
Olmstead also stresses avoiding alcohol, “Boating and alcohol, are the same as driving and alcohol, they don’t mix, accidents can, and will occur.”
Alcohol is believed to be a factor when a boat crashed into a rock breakwall on the Fox River, injuring four people. The crash happened around 8:30 Saturday night near the Leo Frigo Bridge.
