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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 3, 2009)
The INDEPENDENT, September 3, 2009 Page 13 If boating is part of your Labor Day plans, these tips can keep you safe Labor Day Weekend is one of the top three boating week- ends of the year at many Ore- gon water bodies, and the Ore- gon State Marine Board wants to remind boaters to be cau- tious and courteous where it’s congested. “On the coast, thousands of boaters are looking for salmon at Buoy 10 near Astoria, while others are taking advantage of the holiday weekend to float down the Deschutes, Clacka- mas and other rivers,” said Ashley Massey, Public Affairs Specialist for the Marine Board. “Most lake and reservoir water levels are beginning to drop, so factor in extra time to launch and bring along a little pa- tience.” Conflict between boaters and other water users can in- crease this time of year, so boaters need to pay very close attention to the people enjoying the water around them. “This is not the time of year to go full- throttle,” Massey said. “With water levels dropping, stumps, deadheads and sand and grav- el bars can appear out of nowhere. It’s important to go slow and always keep a sharp lookout.” Marine officers will be on the water to assist boaters and help keep the waterways safe. Top violations this summer have been not having life jack- ets, a boater education card or current boat registration. Other violations involve reckless op- eration and alcohol. The follow- ing checklist will help you stay safe this Labor Day weekend: • Wear your life jacket. Each boat (including kayaks and ca- noes) must have a properly fit- ting life jacket for each person on board. Life jackets need to be in good shape and readily accessible, not under a hatch or in a package. All those 12 and younger must wear a life jacket when in a boat that’s un- derway. Many people who have drowned would have survived if they were wearing a life jacket. • Sit on the seat. The growth of wakesurfing is luring many people to ride on the swim plat- form, stern or sides of the boat. This is a carbon monoxide haz- ard, a safety hazard, and is ille- gal. • Slow down and keep a proper lookout. Always obey the “5-mph, slow-no-wake” buoys or signs. Wakes can contribute to bank erosion and damage docks and other prop- erty. Remember to slow down within 200 feet of a dock, launch ramp, marina, moorage, floating home or boathouse, pier or swim float. • Carry your boater educa- tion card. This year all boaters operating boats over 10 hp need a boater education card. Youth 12-15 who operate a powerboat 0-10 hp, alone, must carry a boater education card. When operating a power- boat greater than 10 hp, youth must be supervised by a card- holder age 16 or older. When operating a personal water- craft, the supervising adult must be 18 or older. Educated boaters are much less likely to be involved in boating acci- dents. • Don’t drink and boat. If ar- rested for Boating Under the In- fluence of Intoxicants, a violator can be fined $6,250, lose boat- ing privileges for a period of time, and may even serve jail time. The Marine Board en- courages boaters (that goes for floaters too) to leave the alco- hol on shore. It’s safer for everybody. For more information on boating safety, visit http://www. boatoregon.com/OSMB/safe ty/safety.shtml. 9-17-09 Pictures of kids in life jackets wanted Boaters heading out on the water this Labor Day weekend may need a properly-fitted kid’s life jacket for a young boating guest – and they are in luck. The non-profit BoatU.S. Foun- dation offers a no-cost Kid’s Life Jacket Loaner Program which gives boaters and par- ents the opportunity to borrow a children’s life jacket for the day or weekend. And when you stop by one of the 500 loca- tions across the country to pick up a loaner jacket, have your camera ready. The Foundation is looking for photos of kids wearing Loaner Program life jackets. The best photos will be featured in a 2010 calendar. Photos can be emailed to Life Jacket Program Manager Alan- na Keating at AKeating@Boa- tUS.com . In November, judges will se- lect the best photos to be fea- tured in the calendar that will be offered for sale on Super Quiet Portable Power www.Boat US.com/Foundation . Proceeds from the calendar will help keep this life-saving program afloat. 9-17-09 Need a saw for your winter wood? MS 250 MS 270 STIHL Wood Boss ® MS 250 Chain Saw A step up from the MS 230, this model has an excellent power-to-weight ratio. Standard features include a side-access chain tensioner for easy chain adjustment. MS 270 Chain Saw This mid-sized saw is excellent for firewood cutters. Standard features include a heavy-duty air filter as well as an advanced anti-vibration system to help reduce operator fatigue. PRECISION OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT Banks Hardware 503-324-5221 • 150 N. Main Street, Banks • Mon - Fri 8am to 6pm • Saturday 8am to 5pm • Sunday 10am to 4pm