Get Ready for Boating Season at Boating Safety Event in Gig Harbor

April 25, 2018 - Blog, Featured, The Outdoors - Comments: 

boatingThe boating season opening is just around the corner, and just in time for you to get ready, you can get your boat inspected for free. The Gig Harbor Police Department Marine Services Unit will offer free boating safety vessel inspections and educational seminars from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 29.

You can have your vessel inspected in one of several ways:

  • Trailer your boat to Gig Harbor Marina and Boatyard (3117 Harborview Drive).
  • Bring your boat to the Jerisich Dock (City Dock).
  • Call GHPD (253) 853-2423 and an inspector will come to your moored boat in either Gig Harbor or Wollochet Bay.

Free educational seminars will be offered at the Gig Harbor Marina and Boatyard classrooms:

  • 11 a.m.: Prepping your boat for spring
  • noon: Care and feeding of your outboard engine
  • 1 p.m.: Onboard tracking and messaging devices (SPOT Messenger)

Other things that will be offered at the event:

  • Free fire extinguisher servicing
  • Free expired flare disposal
  • Discounts on other marine safety items

Vessel inspections will be performed by GHPD officers and GHPD partners from the U.S. Power Squadron and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

For more information, contact Sgt. Matt Dougil at (253) 853-2423 or dougilm@cityofgigharbor.net.

 

Boat Safety

In addition to having your boat inspected visually, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recommends the following steps to get ready for boating season:

  • Wash and wax your boat to prevent surface dirt buildup.
  • Equip your boat with the right-sized safety jackets, and inspect them for mildew and other issues.
  • Have your fire extinguisher professionally inspected every year.
  • Carry a carbon-monoxide detector on board your boat, and know how to recognize CO poisoning.
  • Examine and maintain your boat trailer.
  • Read the complete article with these tips at recreation.gov.