GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – As nicer weather is expected this weekend, people are expected to start hitting the water. But safety is on the minds for many as they head outside.
That safety is in regards to typical boating safety measures – but becomes more complicated with the COVID-19 pandemic around.
“It’s more complicated now with all of the social distancing and requirements for COVD-19,” says Kevin Osgood with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, “Typically the Coast Guard auxiliary would be out doing vessel safety checks now, and we would have been doing them for well over a month. But because of restrictions due to COVID-19, we can’t get out there and do that just yet.”
Keeping social distancing is still important while outside, and Osgood encourages people to maintain appropriate spacing even at the boat launch.
“That starts at the boat ramp. Keep your distance from folks in line, keep your distance at the dock, then keep yourselves separated enough to reduce your risk,” Osgood says.
But there are also measures that should be taken in order to avoid having contact with other people while out on the water.
“One of the biggest things people can do to protect themselves is just make sure you have all of the safety equipment you need on the boat so you don’t need to interact with other boaters for help – you don’t want to have to call the Coast Guard,” Osgood tells WTAQ News, “It all boils down to a lot of common sense. Make sure you have the life jackets for everyone on board, make sure that they can quickly be put on. Those are things that would be noted on a safety inspection.”
If someone you were on-board with ends up being diagnosed with COVID-19, or if you just want to take precautions in cleaning life jackets, there are a few quick tips available to check out.
“A simple way to clean it is just with warm water and soap. And you just need to give it about 72 hours time to dry in a well-ventilated place out of direct sun,” Osgood says, “Go online – look at our website, look at our Facebook page. We have all the information posted there for what safety equipment needs to be on your vessel.”
