CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One of the most common ways people celebrate our nation’s independence is on the water – whether that’s on a boat, by the ocean, or poolside.
Charles Ibach is the Administrative Officer for the State of North Carolina District 27, also known as the Charlotte Power Squadron. A large goal of the organization is to promote safe boating for all.
Ibach says the most important thing for anything water related is to utilize life jackets.
“We've had a number of drownings of late. Those drownings would have easily been preventable had the people been wearing life jackets and realize that local lakes, Lake Norman Lake Wylie, Mountain Island, they're not swimming lakes. You go down three to four feet in one of the lakes, you disappear,” Ibach explained.
He also encouraged anyone who plans on operating a boat to take a boaters safety course and also check the new rules in place.
“In North Carolina, it is now mandatory for anyone operating a boat with 10 horsepower or greater, born January 1, 1988, or later, to have proof of education,” according to Ibach.
But he specifies – this is not a boating license.
He also explains South Carolina has a new mandatory law that went into effect last July.
“Anyone born July 2, 2007, or later, has to have boater education. So eventually, it will encompass everybody.”
As someone who is passionate about boating safety and that everyone should have some sort of boating education, this is music to Ibach’s ears.
He also reminds folks to check their fire extinguisher before planning a day trip or a longer cruise on the water.
“The Coast Guard has adopted the fire extinguisher UL rules for fire extinguishers, which is you can no longer have a fire extinguisher on your boat over 12 years old.”
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He showed Meteorologist Brittany Van Voorhees an example of one where you can check on the bottom. It says 08, making it 16 years old, even though it appears to be in good shape.
“It's in-green and everything and it probably would work but it's no longer legal to have on a boat.”
Ibach also says boats built 2018 or later must have an engine cutoff switch. If properly worn, these safety devices can shut off the engine if the boat operator falls off the vessel or is thrown from proper position.
“There was a situation off the coast just recently where a gentleman disappeared. His boat was found 85 miles away still running. He had not been using his engine cut off switch so when he fell overboard, the boat continued to run and they never found him.”
Ibach also recommends having a VHF radio on hand. These allow boaters to make distress calls if necessary and get updated weather reports.
Lastly, for people who love to paddleboard, canoe or kayak, you must have a life jacket on hand as well as a sound-producing device audible for a half-mile. All of these requirements are meant to keep you safe.
Speaking of safety, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons have certified vessel examiners who can perform free vessel checks ahead of the holiday weekend. Click here to request one or read more about the checks.
If you’re interested in learning about all of the above information, and more, in a free boating class through the Charlotte Power Squadron, you can click here.
Contact Brittany Van Voorhees at bvanvoorhe@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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