Bermuda Day marine advisory

THURSDAY, MAY 20: With the upcoming Bermuda Day holiday weekend it is anticipated there will be a large increase in marine traffic on the water. Therefore the Bermuda Police Service Marine Unit would like to send out an advisory to boaters and swimmers, reminding them of the following safety tips:

Boaters

• Ensure the vessel and engine are both in good working order.
• Ensure you have enough fuel for your journey.
• Engine batteries should be checked to ensure they are fully charged and in working order.
• All required safety equipment should be checked and onboard the vessel. There should be one life jacket per person onboard.
• The current annual registration decals should be displayed in the correct manner on the starboard side of the vessel. Vessel registration numbers should also be displayed on both sides of the vessel near the bow.
• Remember to obey the 5 knot/No wake areas 100 meters from shore.
• Use extreme caution when operating power crafts in areas where there are swimmers.
• Consider filing a ‘Float Plan’ before your journey. Let someone on land know your intended journey and estimated time back to your moorings.
• Avoid operating a power craft or Jet Ski under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Swimmers

• Never swim alone. Always swim with another person.
• Swimmers should be aware of their surroundings at all times. Do not venture too far from the shoreline or if swimming from a boat, the anchored vessel.
• Avoid swimming in areas where there is boating traffic such as channels and bridges.
• Avoid swimming under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Marine Unit of the Bermuda Police Service would like to wish everyone a safe and happy boating season.