Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters to always be safe on the waters by avoiding distracted boating and improper lookouts.
Inattentive operation of a vessel in Delaware includes both distracted boating and improper lookouts. We urge boaters to put down their electronics, talk to your passengers about a distraction-free ride, and watch for other boaters and swimmers around you. Any vessel operator found to not give their full time and attention to the operation of the vessel or maintain a proper lookout while operating the vessel will be charged with inattentive operation.
Some other ways to avoid distracted boating and improper lookouts include:
· Eat before you go! Focus becomes divided when you have one hand on the helm and one on your meal.
· Have a passenger handle adjusting the music so you as the operator are not worrying about changing the stations to find the best song!
· Assign a passenger to be an additional lookout as waterways can become congested. Having another pair of eyes for other vessels and people in the water is always beneficial.
· Make sure there is always another person on board who can operate the vessel safely and legally in case you become fatigued from all the sun and fun.
· Never drink and boat.