Our area is full of paddle crafts, kayaks, canoe and stand-up paddle boards. We even see the occasional wind surfer. We are fortunate to have such great areas for all watercraft to enjoy our forgotten coast.Shared water space means we all need to share the road with respect. Wakes from motorboats can not only be disruptive, but also very dangerous to paddle craft. As discussed last week, being able to reboard a watercraft is an essential safety precaution. However, not all practice this skill before heading out. Wakes form boats and swamp a canoe and kayak. Swamping involves water filling the vessel, causing it to submerge and possibly sink. With narrow channels and shallower waters, wakes can be later than anticipated. Keeping a good look out is essential.Paddle craft also need to respect the channels and areas that are designated for higher speeds. Wearing bright colored clothing and life vests helps make paddle crafters more visible to boaters. Situational awareness is critical to safety.We can all do our part to make sure a day on the water is a good day for everyone!
Thanks to Sherrie, we will always remember safe boating is no accident.
If you would like to learn more about vessel safety checks, please contact Steve Hults, Staff Officer for Vessel Examinations at steve.hults@uscgaux.net.
Please contact us for more information about our safe boating classes or learning more about getting involved in the Auxiliary, check out our website at www.uscgaux.net follow us on FaceBook @ Apalachee Bay Flotilla 12 or contact our Flotilla Commander Phil Hill at pnkkhill2000@yahoo.com.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.
