Memorial Day Checklist

Memorial Day is the first big boating holiday of the year which means that hot summer days and weekends at the lake are here! Here's our check list for a safe and fun time on the water!

1. Be prepared for a safety check

Game Wardens tend to be out and about on holiday weekends to keep an eye on the crowds. If for whatever reason you are stopped you'll want to make sure that you have covered the basics. Have an equivalent number of CGA life jackets for every passenger on the boat (Children under the age of 13 are required to wear one), a proper throw cushion, a fire extinguisher that is filled and not expired, a noise making device, and an up-to-date registration sticker will keep you legal on the water. 

2. Make sure your boat is lake ready

If you have any questions about general maintenance or you have yet to summerize your boat, check our Spring Cleaning blog post HERE. If your boat has received all the proper maintenance then it never hurts to do a quick spot check before you hit it full throttle. Once you have backed the boat into the water, before you're off the trailer, go ahead and fire up the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Take this time to make sure that your boat is running at a good operating temp and no hoses have any leaks. 

3. Be Aware of Other Boaters

The weekend crowd can be out in full force this time of year, especially during Memorial Weekend. It's always best to keep a safe distance between you and other boaters, stay at a safe driving speed, and stay aware of your surroundings at all times. 

4. Drive Dry

Did you know that alcohol is the #1 contributing factor to boating accidents? If you plan on hopping behind the wheel on the water, always drive dry to keep yourself and those around you as safe as possible.

5. Have Fun

It's finally time to start soaking up some sun and to start working that new trick you've been thinking about landing this year! Life is better at the lake so make sure to keep a smile on your face and have some fun!