UMATILLA, Ore.-Getting ready to uncover the boat, hook it up, and hit the water for the first time this spring? It might be a good idea to make sure you have everything you need and that it’s all in working order first.
The City of Umatilla is partnering with the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) for free Seaworthy and Safety Boat Checks at the Umatilla Marina on May 1 and 2, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both days.
No registration is required for the safety checks, just pull your boat into the Umatilla Marina parking lot for a quick inspection to make sure you’re ready to hit the water.
“The nice part about these boat checks is we’re not on the water yet, so anything you’re missing isn’t a violation,” said UCSO Deputy Travis McMasters. “It’s a chance to get ready and make sure you have a nice summer on the water.”
During the safety checks, Deputies are looking for life jackets, whistles or air horns, navigation lights, fire extinguishers, and all other equipment required on Oregon’s waterways.
“If boaters have all the stuff they should and they know where it is in their boat, inspections should only take about five minutes,” said Deputy McMasters. “Of course, the question-and-answer portion or admiring boats can take a little longer.”
According to Deputy McMasters, out of date fire extinguishers onboard a boat are one of the most common safety issues he comes across during boat inspections.
“It’s worth checking your fire extinguisher if you’ve had it a while,” said Deputy McMasters. “They do expire.”
Can’t make it down to the Umatilla Marina for the boat checks? Appointments to have your boat inspected are always available by contacting the UCSO at 541.966.3600, and Deputies will also conduct an inspection anytime you see one on the water or at the marina if they aren’t too busy.
For Deputy McMasters, the single most important safety tip for recreational boaters to remember is the importance of having properly fitted lifejackets for every person on a boat.
“Lifejackets don’t work if you don’t wear them,” said Deputy McMasters. “I would say most, if not all, accidental drownings could be preventable with lifejackets.”
