Choose to Boat Safely
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Wrightsville Beach

Choosing to boat safely goes a long way in minimizing risks and liability, while maximizing 
enjoyment on waterways. It is important to act responsibly to protect lives and property. 
The best insurance policy for a great boating experience is to have knowledge, 
preparedness, precaution, experience, and judgment. Provide protection for those who 
boat with you by following these tips endorsed by the National Safe Boating Council and 
Coors Brewing Company.

Take a class. Learn more about this enjoying activity and pay close attention to the laws 
that pertain to the area where you boat. An excellent array of courses is offered through 
the Coast Guard Auxiliary of Wrightsville Beach. Participating in a boating course is in a 
class of its own for learning how to avoid trouble on the water. The Auxiliary in Wrightsville 
Beach will be offering their next Boating Skills and Seamanship short course beginning June 
2. To find out more information about this course contact Donna at 270-9830.

Wear a life jacket. Thrill-seekers and top boaters wear theirs, and so should you and your 
crew. It is much more difficult to put on a life jacket if unexpectedly thrown into the water. So 
don’t take that risk. Life jackets come in many styles designed for a variety of activities, are 
colorful, comfortable, and will provide the protection needed if capsizing of falling overboard 
occurs. The majority of fatalities could be avoided by simply wearing a life jacket. Make sure 
that each person’s jacket is the correct size, and enough for the entire crew. 

Carry the proper safety equipment. The type of required equipment will vary with different 
types of boats. This equipment will be important in an emergency situation where help is at 
a distance. Be prepared to use these devices and know where they are located. Powerboats 
should carry a life jacket for each person on board, a throwable flotation device, fire 
extinguisher, running lights for nighttime or poor visibility caused by weather conditions, sound 
signaling device, distress signals such as flares or flags, and an anchor and line.

Get your vessel checked. The Coast Guard Auxiliary gives vessel inspections free-of-charge. 
The Auxiliary is not law enforcement, so citations will not be given if your vessel doesn’t meet 
safety requirements. The Auxiliary provides you with recommendations to improve the safety 
of your vessel. Contact Shag and make your appointment to receive a free vessel safety check 
at 256.2174.

Join the Coast Guard Auxiliary and volunteer to make a difference.

Boat Smart From the Start!

This message was brought to you by...

U S Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 10-1 Wrightsville Beach, NC.

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