Photo Credit: kevin dooley
If you’re taking your boat out of storage and getting it ready for the sumer months you’ll want to make sure you’re well versed in the boating regulations you’ll need to know to keep safe on the water. You’d hate to get fined or have an accident occur, because you made a mistake or broke the law on the water.
In this article we’re going to cover the local boating regulations that you need to know before you take your boat out of Woodbridge boat storage and onto the lake or the river.
Knowing Where To Boat
Any waterways that allow boating within Woodbridge and other Northern Virginia counties will always be marked. Some waterways also don’t allow motorboats, so make sure you’re complying with all local regulations before you launch your boat out onto the water. By following the links below you’ll be able to decide if the body of water you want to take your boat out on is actually safe.
Staying Safe On The Water
One of the best ways to stay safe on the water is by taking a boater safety course. These courses will help to ensure you know all the local and state regulations, and you know how to operate your boat in a safe manner. Just keep in mind that the certificate you receive from this kind of course is not the same as a boating license and in the future you may need both to boat legally.
Besides an education course, the rules for proper boating are actually very simple. Below you’ll find a short list of recommended steps you can take to ensure your safety and the safety of others in your party.
- Lifevests are mandatory for every member of your party
- Know the directional rules of the lake before putting your boat in the water.
- Ensure your boat is in safe working condition, both internally and externally.
- Do not consume alcohol or drugs aboard your boat.
- Know the proper procedures for reporting accidents.
- This link will provide you with access to your local Woodbridge boating regulations and watercraft knowledge.
Staying safe should be one of your main concerns on the water. Overall, when it comes to knowledge of the law the more you know the better. Take the time to educate yourself.
I hope this article has been valuable and will help you stay safe and ticket free on your boat this summer. Remember, when it comes time to store your boat make sure you get in touch with Gateway Storage. We offer Woodbridge boat storage solutions to residents of Woodbridge, Alexandria, Springfield and all across Northern Virginia. Get in touch with Gateway Storage today to discuss how we can serve your boating storage needs.