Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/144214
Are you re ady for the boating se ason? With children out of school and • Safety equipment needs to be closed compartment). summer here, many families and boaters maintained in order to work properly. •Worn by children under 8 years old are back out on the water. But how many Taking care of your safety equipment (unless in an enclosed cabin or of these boaters are prepared for the can prolong its life and save you sleeping quarters). warm-weather boating season? Whether from some unnecessary replacement •Worn by anyone being towed on you fish, water ski, tube or just boat for expenses. Many people remove all skis or a tube. relaxation, the Marine Police Division safety equipment from their boat when •Worn by anyone on a personal wants to remind boaters to keep safety a storing it for the winter, but forget to watercraft. priority by offering these tips: put it back on before their first spring •Worn by anyone within 800 or summer voyage. As a reminder, here feet below a hydroelectric dam or boater. Knowing Alabama's boating is the basic required equipment needed navigational lock or dam. laws will help you make better for Alabama boaters: decisions on the water and can keep Wear able life jackets for everyone on board. They must be : • An informed boater is a safer you and your passengers safe. • Make sure you know what •U.S. Coast Guard-approved. A Type IV U.S. C oast Guard approved throwable device for boats 16 feet and longer . Boats 16 feet to less than 26 feet are required to have a sound- safety equipment, such as life •Sized to fit. jackets and fire extinguishers, you •In good condition (no rips, tears or are required to have and make sure missing parts). it is in good working condition. •Accessible (not stored in a locker or producing device, such as a whistle, horn or bell, audible for 1/2 mile. Boats 26 feet to 40 feet must have a sound-producing device audible for Top left: Photo by Nik L ayman — Girls ride on a banana boat on Lake Jordan. Top middle: Photo by Joe DeSciose — Duncan Baker rests on a boat on Lake Harris. Top right: Photo by Joe DeSciose — Friends get ready to tube on Lake Harris. 10 S hor el i ne s | 2013 Vol:2