The next Water Safety Council Meeting will be at the Kennon House on the 28th of May at 6:00.  More detail to follow.

The National Weather Service has partnered with the National Safe Boating Council, a NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador, to help promote safe boating practices. The Council offers a wealth of  free resources such as infographics, videos, audio clips, fact sheets, social media and much more. 

During National Safe Boating Week, NWS will send a Public Information Statement and broadcast public service announcements on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards. Check out NWS staff, TV meteorologists and many others wearing their life jackets to work to emphasize how important it is to wear your life jacket when you're on the water. In addition, boating enthusiasts are encouraged to share a post on social media with a safety tip each day of National Safe Boating Week.

• View the NSBC toolkit

Respectfully submitted, President Drew Goodwin welcomed members and guests to the membership dinner meeting held at Kennon House and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Vice President Wyatt Andrews offered grace before attendees enjoyed a buffet dinner.

President Drew called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM with 26 people in attendance.

Debbie Andrews, Treasurer, reported a balance of $8,014.74 in the checking account.

Membership – Debbie Marlowe reported that we have 126 members!

Director Mike Wright asked for volunteers to host the Safety Trailer:

·        May 17th – Poplar Pointe Marine

·        May 18th – Washburn’s Marina

Announcements / Important Dates:

·        Next Membership Meeting – April 30th, Kennon House

·        May 17th to 23rd – National Boat Safety Week

Congratulations to Drew Goodwin who won $25.00 in the 50/50 Drawing, then donated it all back to LGWSC. Thanks, Drew!

Meeting adjourned at 7:39 PM.

Lin Harbold, Secretary

We had officers from NC and VA Wildlife at the monthly Water Safety Council meeting speak to us.  This is not a new law  and   Always remember if you see officers on the water conducting police action and blue lights are on, give the officers a wide berth.  In Virginia waters, 200 feet.   In North Carolina, the law says 100 feet.  

Summer has just begun and the Water Safety Council thought the timing is right to repost information intended to keep all folks who play in the lake SAFE.  Very recently we had a boat go bump in the night.  Bow and stern lights must be on at sunset.

Just the other night I heard a boat zooming by around midnight.   From the engine sound, I went out on the deck to see who was going so fast after dark and saw no navigation lights.  Obviously a major safety issue and it’s illegal.  Probably a safe bet there was drinking involved.

All other vessels (canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboat) must have a visible white light.

Other good safety reminders to keep this lake safe and you safe.

Children under the age of 13 must wear a US Coast Guard approved life jacket. The Water Safety Council sponsors a life jacket loaner program for kids of all ages.  Visit our website for more information.

Kids must be at least 14 years of age to operate a PWC.

PWC (a jet ski) must not be operated before sunrise or after sundown.

Most vessels carry a rating plate that identifies the number of persons that can be safely aboard.  The number of persons on board and the number of persons being towed cannot exceed that number.  If a jet ski is rated for 3 persons, that means one on the jet ski and two being towed.

When a vessel is underway no person should sit, stand or lay outside the gated area.

It is illegal to use docking lights when underway.  “Mood” lights after dark are pretty but detract night vision.

Mind your wake. In NC. PWC’s are not to operate within 100 feet and for Virginia, 50 feet, of docks, shorelines, other vessels and swimmers.

Sailboats not under power and boats propelled by oars or paddles have the right of way.  

The above list is by no means inclusive of all rules on the water.  Every boat operator is responsible for any damage caused by your wake.  If you are new to this lake, you should take the Safe Boating Class taught by our USCG Auxiliary.  https://cgaux.org/

The Council wishes you a safe boating season and have fun out there.  Watch out for the other guy and if you would like more information, please visit www.LKGWSC.org.

Thanks for reading.
 
Lake Gaston Water Safety Council
www.LKGWSC.org