LINCOLNTON, N.C. – The 2023 summer boating season gets underway with the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Lake Patrol is gearing up for the season reminding boaters to be prepared to have safe fun on the water this summer.

Check out your boat now before you put it in the water. Most boats have been in storage for the winter and need to be inspected before that first trip on the lake. Start at the bow and work your way to the back. Inspect the hull, fuel lines, pulleys, electrical connections, steering cables, and throttle linkages. Make sure that any areas that need to be lubricated are moving freely and are free from damage. Check steering cables for fraying and top off any fluids that are needed. Be sure to charge your batteries or have them tested or replaced if needed.

Move on to safety equipment. Check all navigation lights, gauges, tilt controls, horn, bilge pumps and other accessories. Make sure your fire extinguisher is still working and fully charged. Check for rot on life jackets and throw cushions and make sure all straps, zippers, and snaps are in working order. Be sure you have enough flotation devices onboard for all passengers you may have and make sure you have any other safety equipment needed. Be sure the vessel is properly registered. Don’t forget the boat’s trailer. Check tires and hubs as well as the hitch and safety chains.

Remember, while on the lake, you must be at NO WAKE speed anytime you are within 50 yards (150 feet) of a dock, vessel launching area, bridge, pier, marina, vessel storage structure or vessel service area and within 100 feet of a law enforcement vessel that is displaying a flashing blue light on Lake Norman. A “No Wake Zone” is an area within which vessels are required to travel at idling speed – slow speed that creates no appreciable wake.

Follow the rules and enjoy a safe summer on Lake Norman.