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Alabama Marine Police stress boating safety with the approach of spring It has been a rather cold winter in West Alabama this year but we all know spring will arrive very soon. Many people's attention will turn to boating and fishing. This article is to refresh your mind about boating safety and a few pointers to make your first outing on the water a safe and pleasurable event. Cold weather has a way of killing batteries, so begin charging them well in advance of a planned trip. A slow trickle charge is usually better. First, make a visual inspection of your boat and boat trailer. Look for obvious signs of potential problems. Things like a rat's nest in enclosed compartments may be an indicator of a problem. Rodents may use insulation off wires, or foam from your PFD (personal flotation device) to construct a warm winter home. Inspect wiring and fuel lines. Switches have a way of corroding and not working. Often times a shot of lubricant like WD-40 and working the switch back and forth numerous times, will take care of the problem. Once the battery has charged and a visual inspection is made, it will do no harm to turn the engine over a few times. Be sure to inspect the gas in the fuel tank. If it smells like paint stripper, drain the fuel tank and replace with fresh gasoline. If you have a connector to run water through the engine, it's a good way to be sure you won't be disappointed at the boat ramp. Do not run the engine without water running through it to draw water through the lower unit to cool the power head. Most of us have to trailer our boat to the lake, so inspect the trailer bearings and ensure they are well greased.
After checking everything mechanical on the boat and trailer, including trailer lights, check the required safety equipment. Basic safety equipment includes PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices), fire extinguisher, emergency shut-off switch, running lights and horn or whistle. Make sure the registration decal on your boat is current and the registration certificate is aboard.
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