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BOATING AT THURMOND LAKE!
Speeding across the
water on skis behind a powerboat…
Riding personal
watercrafts (PWC) with your friends…
Simply sailing silently across the lake…
There’s nothing like it!
But please remember – with the enjoyment of recreational boating comes the
responsibility to know the nautical rules of the road and of small craft
safety. Many boating accidents and fatalities could be prevented if people on
board didn’t drink and did wear their life jacket. Many collisions could be
avoided if the operator paid full attention and avoided risks.
Make sure you (and
anyone else that may operate your boat or PWC) know the rules of the road and
the basics of handling your craft.
The following links lead to
lists of recreation areas with Boating...
*all areas listed have access ramps
Helpful Information for Boaters on Thurmond Lake...
Boaters! Before Getting Underway…
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Take a safe boating course - you might be surprised
about what you don’t know about boating safety (and it may even give you a
discount on your boat insurance)!
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Put on your life jacket and leave your alcohol behind.
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Check the weather forecast.
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File a float plan with a friend.
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Check your boat for all required safety equipment.
If you are unsure contact the Savannah river power squadron or the Thurmond
Lake power squadron for a free vessel inspection. Links are listed below
the these organizations.
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Know the state boating laws for the state(s) you will
be boating in.
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Check your electrical system and fuel system for gas
fumes.
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Follow manufacturers suggested procedures before
starting up.
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Carry a navigation chart (available at area stores)
and know your waterway.
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Lake levels fluctuate daily. Check lake levels before
each trip to the lake.
And While You’re Underway…
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Follow navigation rules of the road, buoys, and other
aids to navigation.
Watch your wake and keep a safe distance* from docks and other structures,
swimmers, and other boats. It’s the law, its courteous, and it is in place
for everyone’s safety. Some buoys that
may be spotted while on the water are below.
Run
your mouse over the buoys to learning about the different symbols on them.
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Please keep hold of your trash – items such as drink
cups, cans, old fishing line, and bait containers can easily be blown into
the water, especially from a moving boat. Not only are these items
unattractive, they can be harmful to fish and other aquatic life.
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Do not tie up your boat to buoys or signs.
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Wear a life jacket whether you know how to swim or not
and dress appropriately for the weather. Most people who drown never
intended to be in the water in the first place and drown within 10 – 30
feet of safety.
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Don’t forget that the lake is for everyone’s enjoyment
and a reckless or rude boater can turn a nice day at the lake into a
disaster!
*State boating laws vary by state. In
South Carolina, boaters must keep 50 feet from docks, structures, shoreline, swimmers or other
persons in the water, and from other boats unless traveling at a “no wake”
speed. In Georgia, the distance is 100 feet.
Take A Safe Boating Class!
Don’t put it off – now is an excellent time of year to learn about
boating safety! Several organizations offer safety boating classes in
the Thurmond Lake area.
Top of Page
Water Safety Did You Know?
- A child can drown in only 20 seconds. An adult can
drown in 60 seconds.
- Two thirds of drowning victims had no intentions
of being in the water.
- Most people drown within 10 - 30 feet of safety.
- Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental
deaths for persons 15 - 44 years old.
- More than half of all the people who drown had
consumed alcohol prior to their accident.
- Being intoxicated is not necessary for alcohol to
be a threat to your safety. Just one beer will impair your balance, vision,
judgment and reaction time, thus making you a potential danger to yourself
and others.
RELATED LINKS
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