GLENBURN, Maine — Memorial Day is right around the corner, and for many, that means it's time for the first trip of the season out on the water. Ahead of an uptick in boats on Maine bodies of water, the Maine Warden Service, Maine Marine Patrol and and U.S. Coast Guard, are using this week to remind people of the importance of safety out on the water.
"You never really find a drowning victim with a life jacket on," said Maine Game Warden Rick Oullette.
Oullette spent the day with NEWS CENTER Maine out on Pushaw Lake in Glenburn, sharing safety tips, as well as the importance of wearing a life jacket. He also made clear the importance of knowing your surroundings.
"There's no road, there's no stop signs. There's no yield signs. You want to make sure that you pay attention to your surroundings," said Oullette.
Especially during this upcoming holiday weekend, Oullette urges boaters to stay sober if they plan on operating a boat. "Keep the alcohol consumption to a minimum. If you're going to do that don't drive a boat and don't drive a vehicle," said Oullette.
As part of National Safe Boating Week, these tops are also offered.
- In Maine, all children 10 and under must wear a lifejacket.
- A good time to remind boaters to consider taking a boater education course.
- Let someone know where you plan to go boating and leave a trip plan with family.
- Dress for cold water temperatures. Maine’s ocean and inland waters are very cold this time of year. It is recommended that paddlers wear dry suits when water temps are less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or wet suit when temps are between 50 and 60 degrees.
- Alcohol is a contributing factor in one-third of all boating related fatalities, according to the US Coast Guard.
- Wear your life jacket. Statistics show that most people who unexpected fall from a watercraft without a life jacket will die. If you think you have time to get to your life jacket in an emergency, think again.