Boating Safety 101

All boaters and riders should be up-to-date on lake etiquette and the newest boating laws and regulations before going out on the water this summer. These rules and laws can change frequently, and it is important to be aware of them.

Buoys

One of the most critical things to understand on the lake are the buoys. Right now, there are more than 400 buoys on Lake Martin. Most of them are floating white buoys or poles that are six feet tall and have orange diamonds on them. Buoys are in place to alert boaters of an underwater hazard that could cause an accident.

Buoys with an orange circle indicate a slow-no wake zone, while buoys with a diamond and cross in the middle are used to alert boaters to keep out of certain areas.

Make sure to stay at least 100-feet away from the buoys to avoid whatever is beneath the surface and never pass between two buoys that are 200-feet from one another. The double buoy indicates that a hazard is between the buoys.

If a buoy is within 100 feet of the shoreline, this could mean shallow water, or there is something underwater between the buoy and the shoreline that would cause an accident. Either way, if you see a buoy near the shore, steer clear.

It is important to note that within 50-feet of the shore, rocks and stumps are prevalent, and even if there is no buoy signaling a hazard, passing too close to the shore can make for a bad day.

Some buoys have a solar light mounted to the top, which increases visibility from a mile away; however, those are limited, and in the dark, it can be tough to see hazards.

To report damaged or misplaced buoys, locate the telephone number or email address on the buoy decal (lmra@lmra.info). It also has the buoy’s identifying letter and numbers, which tells the Lake Martin Resource Association crew the specific GPS location. They need this information so that they can get the buoy back where it should be.

Weather

It is imperative to keep an eye on the weather when on the water. It is Alabama, and the weather can change quickly. Storms pop up out of nowhere. Keep an eye on the sky and watch for changes in temperature, wind patterns and cloud formations, all signs that a storm is brewing.

Rather than getting caught in a storm, get to the closest safe shelter. If riding out the storm on the boat is the only option, have everyone onboard wear a life jacket and move to the centerline. Keep the boat’s bow to the wind and ride the waves at a 45-degree angle.

If something happens call the Marine Police in Alexander City.

TowBoatUS Lake Martin is another helpful number in the event of mechanical issues or even an accident. Both the Marine Police and TowBoatUS are available 24 hours a day.

BOATING LICENSE, CLASSES AND RULES

Boating/vessel license is required in Alabama. For details, visit ALEA.gov and search Boating Education and Operator Certification/License.

Non-residents may operate on Alabama waters up to 45 days per year without having to obtain a vessel operator’s license. Nonresidents who have obtained a vessel certification or license from their home state may use that in lieu of the Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator’s License; however non-resident vessel operators 12 or 13 years old, can only operate if there is someone 21 years old or older on board, who either has a valid vessel operator’s license in possession or falls under the 45-day exemption period because of non-residency status, and who is seated in a position to take immediate control of the vessel if necessary. Regardless of residency status, it is a good idea to take a boating class and study State of Alabama Boating Rules and Regulations

There are a number of new boaters on the water and not all of them may be aware of the standard safety procedures or boating etiquette. Always be aware of other boats and make it a point to be informed of safety basics. And don’t forget to wave when passing other boaters!

Boating Supplies Checklist

• Life jacket - 1 per person, including children

• First aid kit - bandages, gauze, alcohol cleaning pads, aspirin, etc.

• Signaling device - horn, bell or whistle

• Fire extinguisher

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Marine Police 256-329-2268

TowBoatUS Lake Martin 256-307-1313

LMRA 256-212-1422