Someone asked us on Facebook to post something to remind boaters to be extra courteous this busy holiday week. For those not on Facebook, here it is. If you have some pet peeves about boater safety, send us an email.

Please, please be extra careful and be courteous out on the water this holiday week. The regulars know how busy the lake gets and first-time vacationers will quickly realize with all the boats and jet skis out on the water it will look like organized chaos; ok unorganized chaos. Please be mindful of the rules on the waterway. When in doubt best advice is to yield. I view an approaching boat with the assumption it's their first time on the water. This is not the week to see how fast your boat can go.

Remember you are responsible for your wake. Slow down in the coves and be respectful of the property owner's shoreline and boathouses. In NC, jet skis (PWC) must stay 100 feet from docks, shorelines and swimmers. In VA, it's 50 feet. It’s the law. When approaching a law enforcement boat engaged with another boater, slow down and give them a wide berth.

Wear the PDF and don’t drink and drive. To keep everyone on their toes I’d expect to see the USCG out there this weekend and they will be looking for operators driving their boat in a reckless fashion and operators drinking and driving.

When approaching any No Wake zone, that means no wake before passing the markers. Just a reminder the Eaton Ferry Bridge is a No Wake zone.

We should have wonderful weather this weekend so let’s all enjoy this beautiful lake to ensure everyone gets home safely.

If you would like more water safety tips, please visit LakeGastonWaterSafetyCouncil.com.

Lake Gaston Water Safety Council we can add to the list.

Water is as high as I’ve seen it on the main lake in 5 years.  Someplace on the lake there is a pontoon boat wedged into a culvert.  It’s on Facebook.  

Sadly we won't be meeting in June.  The Kennon House is not ready yet to set up the buffet.  Fingers crossed for a July 29th meeting although to be honest, not sure I would take that bet. 

During this hiatus the board has distributed the information packets to local marinas and realtors.  Although the safety trailer is parked at Lake Gaston Outfitters with no bookings, we continue to promote the water safety message via our web site.   In May we had over 500 folks (many first timers) visit the web site which is pretty good.  

There is one thing you can do now is submit payment for your 2020 dues.   If you have paid, please disregard and many thanks.   This can be done by the web site (credit card or Pay Pal) or a good old fashioned check.  Dues are the same since the beginning of time at $5 for individual or $10 for family or business.  You can also write a check payable to Lake Gaston Water Safety Council, PO Box 207, Henrico, NC, 27842. 

What's the web site you ask?   Hopefully you have previously visited but it’s www.LakeGastonWaterSafetyCouncil.com.  

As always your dues and perhaps a sweetener donation are all tax deductible.  

The lake is getting busy (well, not this rainy week).   Please be careful out there.  

Brian

It’s that time of the year to get the new packets assembled for delivery to marinas and realtors.  Each packet contains a large lake map, WSC application along with other important information for new boaters and homeowners.   

We will bring extra maps (always a popular item) to hopefully our first meeting in June.  

Operation Dry Water and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) are reminding boaters during National Safe Boating Week, May 16 – 22, 2020, to boat sober this summer. National Safe Boating Week brings attention to important lifesaving tips for recreational boaters and takes place just prior to Memorial Day weekend, the kick-off of the boating season for many. Millions of boaters will head to the water, taking advantage of the warmer weather while honoring, celebrating and remembering all those who lost their lives while serving our country. Unfortunately, alcohol use by both operators and passengers often becomes part of these activities, causing an increase in the number of injuries, incidents and fatalities on the water.

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