State-By-State Life Jacket Requirements

I found an interesting link that shows life jacket requirements and licensing laws, organized by state. All you need to do is click on the state you're interested in. Planning a trip to another state this summer? Check out that state's laws before you go so you are prepared!

http://www.boatingsidekicks.com/boatsfact.htm

Spring Boating Checklist

Well, it's finally here... warm weather! Hooray! The dreary days of winter and the cold/rainy days of early Spring are finally behind us. We find ourselves daydreaming at work about whether or not we should take the boat out for a quick spin when we get home. We talk enthusiastically with our families about spending some time on the water over the weekend. But, before we rush and make a mistake, let's take a little time to be assured that the boat really is "ready to go".

I jotted down a few essential things to review and/or check before that maiden voyage. I would also like to hear from you. What are some of the things that you do to get your boat seaworthy? If you have anything to add, please leave a comment with your suggestions. There are many people reading this blog that are new, or relatively new, boaters and would benefit from the suggestions you may have.

1) Has the drive oil been changed?

2) Has the engine oil been changed (stern drive or 4-Stroke OB)?

3) Is the battery charged and are the connections clean and tight?

4) Run the engine in the driveway before going to the water for the first time.

5) Check the trailer bearings and grease, if needed -- but not too much!

6) Check trailer lights.

7) Check the trailer's brake fluid (if equipped).

8) Don't forget the plug!!!

Well, there's a start. What else do you do?

Pets need floatation devices when they're aboard too

By Gary Blockus of the Morning Call
May 26, 2009

With boating season in full bloom now that we've made our way past Memorial Day, it's time to take a quick look at a safety feature may of us often forget about: securing our pets onboard.

Don't you absolutely love those pictures that show a golden retriever at the stern of a boat, tongue hanging out while master and family boat her across the lake, river or ocean?



The only thing wrong with pictures like those is that while they may be cute, they show little regard for the animal's safety.Even pets deserve personal floatation devices. The best water dogs may literally fall into deep trouble should they happen to tumble off the deck and into the water. If expert swimmers can experience panic and cramps while trying to negotiate a boat's wake, so can a dog.

Canine life jackets are available from a variety of manufactures and, like human PFDs, one size does not fit all.

Many dogs may be good swimmers, but not all dogs are good swimmers. Currents, waves, wakes and water temperature can affect a dog's ability to survive in any body of water should the animal accidentally or intentionally go overboard. Canine life jackets usually feature a ''handle strap'' along the backside that makes it easy for owner or rescuer to securely gain control of the animal in case rescue is warranted.

Do yourself, your family and your dog a favor by checking out some of the various water safety devices for animals at your local boat shop or pet store.

Call Peters Marine Service at 610-433-1606 for more information on Pet Vests.

ALSO - Be sure to frequent Gary's blog, Lehigh Valley Wild, at http://blogs.mcall.com/outdoors/ for information on Lehigh Valley Boating and Outdoor Sports Adventures!

Vessel Safety Checks at Blue Marsh Lake by the US Coast Guard Aux

On Saturday May 30th from 10AM and into the afternoon the US Coast Guard Auxiliary will be conducting Vessel Safety Checks at Blue Marsh Lake. The checks will be conducted at the Dry Brooks and State Hill boat launches.

What is a Vessel Safety Check? Click here to find out....

Use the map below for directions or contact Terry Hilbert at pigeon72@aol.com for more information.

View Larger Map

Note: The US Coast Guard Auxiliary will be conducting these Vessel Safety Checks thru out the summer at Blue Marsh Lake, Beltzville Lake, and Lake Wallenpaupack. Please check back here often for more information.

Safety Equipment Presentation

Safety is never a glamorous topic to discuss. Nevertheless it is an important consideration when venturing out for a fun day out on the water. Click the link below and join us for a brief presentation on the many different choices in signaling devices, fire extinguishers, and life jackets.

Safety Equipment Presentation Video, Click Here ...

Time to get ready!

Wow! It has been a busy spring here at Peters Marine Service. We have been busy getting customers boats ready for the summer. Now is the prime time for you to start planning and getting your boat ready for spring. A good check of your boat and trailer is necessary to help ensure a great season of boating. Below is a list of items you may want to check for the upcoming season:

Comments are welcome in the section below.

Safety items:
Fire extinguishers all charged and ready?
Life jackets in good condition? No tears and do they still fit?
Flares expired?
Does the horn still work? Do you have a back up device?

Trailer:
Tire pressure ok?
Are the lug nuts still tight?
Did we grease the wheel bearings? Are the bearings OK?
Do the brakes work?

Boat:
Do we have all of our bumpers, lines, and other equipment in the boat? Are they all in good condition?
Hey, where is that drain plug for the boat?
Has our engine been properly maintained? Fluid levels ok?

This is just a short list of items. Do you have any other suggestions? Feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

Great old video on boating safety with Patty Duke. Is that an old Sea Ray?