Manhattan, Kan. — It’s that time of year again as the weather gets warmer and you start to get ready for the weekend trips down to the lake which includes getting your boat out of winter storage.
While an exciting time, Tuttle Creek Lake Park Ranger Angelia Lentz provided some tips to do before you hit the water. One of which is completing a thorough mechanical check.
She says you also want to make sure you’re not neglecting your trailer. You want to make sure its road worthy by checking the tires, bearings, lights and breaks.
Lentz said for her, the most important thing to remember is having the right life jackets for yourself and your group, especially for the kids.
She added you want to make sure they meet the requirements by law such as being coast guard approved and easily accessible. Children 12 and under also need to wear a life jacket at all times on the boat.
Lentz added that almost 89% of fatalities were people who were not wearing their life jacket so she asks that you please wear one. Also make sure to watch the weather on the day your out on the water.
Also, Lentz says to check the KDWP website and under boating where you’ll find the required equipment for different types of boats. Other items to bring include sunscreen, water, small toolbox, and a cell phone that’ll work on the boat.
New this year, if the water you’re on is under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard, like the Missouri River, you have to have a fire extinguisher that is not expired and is in good and working conditions.
For boats that are from 2017 or older you can still have your type b1 or b2 fire extinguishers as long as they are not expired.
More information can be found on the Coast Guards website where a full list of those regulations can be found.
Jonathan Lang covers state and local news for KFRM and KCLY. You can follow the KCLY or KFRM Facebook page for more stories.
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