...WEATHER SAFETY...

THE FOLLOWING IS A SAFE BOATING MESSAGE FROM THE CAPE FEAR POWER SQUADRON

Safe boating is always a priority, especially when weather is an issue.

As the skipper, the safety of your crew and passengers are your responsibility. Before you leave port, make sure your ship is in top working condition and that you have listened to the weather report. You should always file a float plan, have safety equipment on board, wear your PFDs and know how your ship responds in bad weather. As you know, bad weather in this region can come up on you in a hurry so you should always be prepared for the worst but expect a fun and exciting time on the water.

Follow the three L's of weather safety for a fun and a less stressful time on the water:

LOOK: Before you leave home, look at the paper, television, or internet to find the latest weather information for your area. When on the water, continually look at the sky for signs of bad weather and look at the waves to see if they are increasing.

LISTEN: If you are on the water listen for thunder and count the seconds (five seconds equals one mile) between the lightning and the thunder to get an estimate of how far the storm is from you. Most importantly listen to your VHF radio for the latest weather forecast and advisories.

LEAVE: Leave for a safe port or marina if threatening weather approaches. If you are not able to get to a safe marina then find protection in a cove and make sure your passengers have put on their life jackets. Call on your phone and radio to let someone know where you are when the storm approaches along with how many people are on board. Once the storm has passed let the ones you called know that you are safe.

You are the key to water safety -- always be prepared.

THIS MESSAGE WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY...

THE CAPE FEAR POWER SQUADRON

 ...YOU'RE IN COMMAND. BOAT RESPONSIBLY!...

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