The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers these tips for boaters headed to the water for the holiday weekend. Remember to these tips when LAUNCHing your boat.
- Look over your boat's condition and safety equipment before heading out to the lake.
- Also inspect your tow vehicle and trailer. Check the brakes, parking brake, transmission, tires, wheel bearings, etc.
- Unhook tie-downs to prevent floating the trailer and vehicle with the boat. Use the mirrors and turn around to look behind you before backing down the ramp or back in neutral to prevent accidental acceleration.
- Never leave children unattended in the vehicle before you launch.
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- Cut your wheels sharply before getting out of the vehicle on the ramp to prevent it from accidentally rolling into deep water. Put the vehicle in park and set the parking brake or leave a standard transmission vehicle in gear and turn off the engine.
- Hook your boat to a tether so that it doesn't drift away. If it does drift off, don't try to swim to catch it. Instead, ask another boater for help to retrieve the craft.
Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
