Suggestions For Boating Safely and Courteously on the Lake

• Any accident involving physical injury, death, or damage exceeding the value of $500 in NC or $2000 in VA must be reported to the proper state agency.

• All powered vessels must carry the proper registration papers on the boat.

• All powered vessels operating before sunrise and after sunset must display proper lighting.  Red and green navigation lights and an all around white stern light.  All other vessels (canoes, kayaks, row and sail boats) must have at least a visible white light.

• All vessels must carry a readily accessible US Coast Guard (USCG) approved, serviceable, properly sized Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for every person on board.  They should not be in wrapping or under lock and key.

• All vessels over 16' must carry one throwable Type IV PFD and it should be placed near the steering device.

• Every vessel should carry a hand held device for sounding an alarm or signal such as a whistle, horn or bell.

• Every vessel should have a device for visually signaling for aid such as an orange flag, orange PFD, mirror, or flare.

• Every boater should be alert for and offer assistance to any boater or swimmer in distress.

• Every powered vessel must be equipped with a properly charged and USCG approved Type II fire extinguisher.

• Any vessel, including Personal Water Craft (PWC) towing another boat or person should have an observer looking to the rear or have rear view mirrors.