Maine Game Wardens Have A Message For National Safe Boating Week

According to WGME, our Maine Game Wardens have some important tips and advice for keeping the boating season a safe one.

It's National Safe Boating Week and here in Maine we face boating related tragedies every year. Our Maine Game Wardens want to put out the word to everyone taking to the water, that safety is a number one priority.

If you are someone who always shoos away a life jacket, change your ways. They save lives! Right now our water is still dangerously cold, and if you land in the water without one on, chances are you won't have a chance to get one on before hypothermia sets in. That goes for everyone on the water; a boat, kayak, canoe or swan boat!

Life jackets have come a long way, they are so much more comfortable and give you much more freedom of movement while still being able to save your life. Children must always wear a life jacket. If I see you on the water with a kid in your boat without a life jacket- expect to hear about it.

Here are some more words of wisdom from our maine Game Wardens:

• Always check the weather before you leave the dock and have a weather radio with you.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
• The minute the sky starts to churn and the water feels choppy, head in to beat the storm.
• Always adhere to your boat's weight capacity, don't overload.
• Register your boat and display your sticker.
• Keep your emergency supplies in a floating pouch that includes at the very least: flares, a first aid kit and maps of the water.