National Safe Boating Week begins on the third Saturday in May and serves as an important reminder from the National Safe Boating Council to prioritize safety while enjoying time on the water.
Before you leave the dock, keep these important reminders in mind:
1. **Always Wear a Life Jacket:** Make sure everyone on board is wearing a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Newer styles provide greater comfort and flexibility.
2. **Use an Engine Cut-Off Switch:** This crucial lifesaving device stops the boat’s engine if the operator unexpectedly falls overboard or is displaced from the helm.
3. **Monitor the Weather:** Check the weather forecast before departing and continuously monitor conditions while on the water to stay aware of any changes.
4. **Follow All Local and State Boating Regulations:** Each state and local waterway has its own regulations. Be sure to know if special licenses are required, as well as how to recognize speed zones and special operation rules after dark.
To be even more prepared and to learn more about National Safe Boating Week, check out these 10 tips from Discover Boating.
Chaparral has been building quality family boats since 1965. Founded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Chaparral has called Nashville, Georgia home since 1976. Encompassing over 1 million square feet of manufacturing facilities, we are one of South Georgia’s largest employers with a full time roster of over 800 employees. Building high quality boats is still a process completed by hand by skilled craftsmen. At Chaparral, many of our builders are second or third generation boat builders that take personal pride in every boat they build.
