Lake Gaston Water Safety Council

www.lkgwsc.org

It’s that Time of the Year

Summer has just begun and the Water Safety Council thought the timing is right to repost information intended to keep all folks who play in the lake SAFE. Very recently we had a boat go bump in the night. Bow and stern lights must be on at sunset.

Just the other night I heard a boat zooming by around midnight. From the engine sound, I went out on the deck to see who was going so fast after dark and saw no navigation lights. Obviously a major safety issue and it’s illegal. Probably a safe bet there was drinking involved.

All other vessels (canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboat) must have a visible white light.

Other good safety reminders to keep this lake safe and you safe.

Children under the age of 13 must wear a US Coast Guard approved life jacket. The Water Safety Council sponsors a life jacket loaner program for kids of all ages. Visit our website for more information.

Kids must be at least 14 years of age to operate a PWC.

PWC (a jet ski) must not be operated before sunrise or after sundown.

Most vessels carry a rating plate that identifies the number of persons that can be safely aboard. The number of persons on board and the number of persons being towed cannot exceed that number. If a jet ski is rated for 3 persons, that means one on the jet ski and two being towed.

When a vessel is underway no person should sit, stand or lay outside the gated area.

It is illegal to use docking lights when underway. “Mood” lights after dark are pretty but detract night vision.

Mind your wake. In NC. PWC’s are not to operate within 100 feet and for Virginia, 50 feet, of docks, shorelines, other vessels and swimmers.

Sailboats not under power and boats propelled by oars or paddles have the right of way.

The above list is by no means inclusive of all rules on the water. Every boat operator is responsible for any damage caused by your wake. If you are new to this lake, you should take the Safe Boating Class taught by our USCG Auxiliary. https://cgaux.org/

The Council wishes you a safe boating season and have fun out there. Watch out for the other guy and if you would like more information, please visit www.LKGWSC.org.

Thanks for reading.

Lake Gaston Water Safety Council
www.LKGWSC.org

www.lkgwsc.org

Boating season has arrived in Littleton. Be sure to sign up yourself or your children if you plan to boat!

Another “Win” for Boaters

During previous summers you probably noticed that the height markings under Lake Gaston bridges were either nonexistent or in need of maintenance. About two years ago the Board of the Lake Gaston Water Safety Council began an effort to replace or repair those markings.

We sought permission from the Department of Transportation in both North Carolina and Virginia to see how we could address this problem. NCDOT said that they don't allow or put peripherals on their bridges; they build stand-alone structures for peripherals. VDOT said they build out additions on their bridges to add peripherals but would wait to see what NC recommended so they could match it.

Both states had problems with attaching signage to their bridges as it damages the bridges and blocks inspectors from completing their inspections.

Thanks to the persistence of Past President Wyatt Andrews, in September 2022, NCDOT engineers and inspectors decided that they would install the gauges rather than having LGWSC do the installations.

By May of 2023, NCDOT finalized a design and ordered gauges. The gauges were ready in January 2024 and forwarded to the maintenance department to be scheduled for installation.

In March of this year, the first of the clearance markings was installed on the Pea Hill Bridge. We expect that all bridges on both sides of the Lake will have new height clearance markings installed before the end of this year.

Maybe this will save a few Bimini tops. We think they look nice and hope you agree.

Signs on the bridges are a bright yellow and water level depicts height clearance.

Our FB page gained 35 new followers. We are 4 short of 1,000 followers. Bookmark LKGWSC.org for the information you need about safety on this lake. For those on the water I’m sure you have noted the new clearance markings and road names on the bridges.

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Check out our new sign on Eaton Ferry Road at the bridge.

As you can tell things have slowed down for the LKGWSC.org. We are resting up and preparing to enjoy the holiday season. If you go out on the water, be so careful as the water temperature has dropped drastically. Wear the PFD and don’t forget with the cold water temperature it doesn’t take long for hypothermia to set in. Stay safe, enjoy the winter season and we will stay in touch.

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We shouldn’t have to say this but please be a safe operator this weekend. Expect more boat traffic and please don’t drink and drive. Life jackets for the kids. Expect to see the USCG on the lake. Friendly reminder the USCG will enforce the use of the emergency cut off switch.

Watch your wake when passing a law enforcement boat who has stopped another boat.

Gosh there are so many do nots. Check our web site for more info at www.LKGWSC.org. Most importantly, have fun and please be kind to others.

Home - Lake Gaston Water Safety Council - Water Safety Lake Gaston Lake Gaston Water Safety Council, a non-profit public service organization, promotes water safety in NC & VA Lakes

KEEP YOUR HEAD ON A SWIVEL! This pontoon was struck by a large Bay Liner last night on LG. It was pitch black on the water at 9:15 when this occurred. Both boats had their lights on. You can see the major damage to the stern. The Bimini was ripped off, the windshield was broken off, and the motor was pushed over from the center. The starboard side of the pontoon was parallel with the water. So thankful the injuries were only scrapes and scratches to the ppl on the pontoon last night, but several complained of backaches this morning. Had anyone been sitting on the rear seat, it would have been a tragedy!

Our next monthly meeting is on Wednesday, August 25, beginning at 6 PM with a Dutch treat supper at the Kennon House. We’ve invited RWVFD Chief Lorenzo Wilkins who will talk about how his department trains for water rescues on Lake Gaston. Please email [email protected] if you plan to attend. We just might see their new fast rescue boat.

According to NC Wildlife, 29 persons lost their lives on NC waters in 2020. 18 were not wearing a life vest.

Preserve Your Life: Wear a Life Jacket

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission introduced the “Preserve Your Life” campaign in 2017 to raise awareness and educate the public about the importance of life jackets. Wearing a life jacket is a simple safety precaution that can prevent tragedy from happening in the event of an accident. There's no reason to not wear a life jacket. In the end, your life may literally depend on it.

Life jackets have seen drastic design improvements over the years. Newer models are not the bulky, hot floatation devices that some boaters remember. In fact, many life jackets are designed for specific activities such as fishing, water sports and even hunting. These specialized floatation devices grant the user the freedom to enjoy their day on the water in comfort.

It’s important to put on your life jacket before heading out on the water. Even the strongest of swimmers can be incapacitated during an accident. In dire situations, there often isn’t time to grab a life vest and put it on properly. It can it save your life and can help you assist others who may be in danger.

Both North Carolina and federal regulations state that a personal floatation device in serviceable condition and of appropriate size should be accessible for each person onboard a vessel. North Carolina requires anyone younger than 13 to wear an appropriate life vest when on a recreational vessel. Anyone riding a personal watercraft or being towed by one must also wear a Coast Guard-approved life vest.

Operation Dry Water kicks off this holiday weekend
NASBLA
A reminder that this weekend, July 2 - 4, law enforcement agencies across the United States will be cracking down on boating under the influence as part of Operation Dry Water. These agencies will focus their efforts on detecting impaired boaters, removing them from our nation’s waterways and educating the public about the dangers of boating under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Life Jackets and More

There is a lot of chatter on social media about kids under age of 13 wearing a life jacket. Good time for a refresher. (from our web site)

Rules for Boating Safety & Life Jacket Safety
ALL VESSELS MUST CARRY A READILY ACCESSIBLE (AT HAND, UNWRAPPED) U.S. COAST GUARD APPROVED AND SERVICEABLE LIFE JACKET OF THE PROPER SIZE FOR EVERY PERSON ON BOARD.

FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 13 WEAR A U.S. COAST GUARD APPROVED LIFE JACKET ALL THE TIME WHEN UNDERWAY (not anchored or docked) ON ANY SIZE VESSEL.

A Children's Life Jacket Loaner Program, sponsored by the Lake Gaston Water Safety Council, is in place at the following locations to promote life jacket safety: Bracey at Americamps, Holly Grove Marina and Lake Gaston Water Sports at Poplar Creek; Gasburg at The Club; Henrico at Washburn's Marina and Sherwood Forest; and Littleton at Morningstar Marina at Eaton Ferry, Outdoor World and Stonehouse Timber Lodge. CLICK HERE for more details about the Children's Life Jacket Loaner Program.

IN BOTH NORTH CAROLINA AND VIRGINIA A CHILD MUST BE AT LEAST 14 TO OPERATE A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC). CHILDREN 14 AND 15 YEARS OLD MAY OPERATE A PWC IF THEY CARRY PROOF OF AGE AND THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION OF A RECOGNIZED SAFE BOATING COURSE. ALL PERSONS ON A PWC MUST WEAR A U.S. COAST GUARD APPROVED LIFE JACKET. THE LIFE JACKET MUST HAVE ALL FASTENERS FASTENED.

All powered vessels operating before sunrise and after sunset must display proper lighting which includes the red and green navigation lights and all-around white stern light. All other vessels (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and sailboats) must have at least a visible white light.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) are not to be operated before sunrise or after sundown.

Water-skiing, knee-boarding, towed floats, and wakeboards are allowable between one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset in Virginia and one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset in North Carolina. Special care should be given to ensure that towed persons can be clearly seen when in the water.

Every vessel is required to have an audible device for sounding an alarm or signal such as a whistle, horn or bell. Every vessel should have a device for visually signaling for aid such as an orange flag, orange Life Preserver, mirror/reflector or flare.

Every boater should be alert for and offer assistance to any boater or swimmer in distress.

Every powered vessel must be equipped with a properly charged, U.S. Coast Guard approved Type B-I or B-II fire extinguisher. Vessels 26-40 feet must have two Type B-I or one Type B-II.

Most vessels carry a rating plate that identifies the number of persons that can be safely aboard. The number of persons on board and the number of persons being towed (on floats, skis or any other towable) cannot exceed the number of people for which the vessel is rated.

The above requirements apply to Personal Watercraft (PWC) as well. If the PWC is rated for three, then two can be on the PWC with one being towed. If the PWC is rated for two then only one person can be on the PWC with one being towed.

In NC if there is no rearview mirror, then an observer is required on PWCs and recommended for other vessels. In Virginia, there is no language regarding rearview mirrors in the law. The Virginia law requires those being towed to wear a Life jacket unless there is an observer.

U.S. Coast guard, Virginia conservation Police and NC Wildlife Officers are authorized to cite operators for reckless operation for speed causing unsafe conditions or operation causing peril to others.

When a vessel is underway no person should sit, stand, or lay outside the enclosed seating area, i.e. above the motor or outside the gated area on pontoon and deck boats.

It is illegal to use docking lights when underway.

It is illegal for boaters, PWC operators and skiers to jump vessel wakes. It is unsafe to tow skiers or persons on floats under bridges.

Maintain "NO WAKE" idle speeds at all bridges (strictly enforced), in proximity to stopped enforcement officers (strictly enforced) and when within proximity to swimmers, skiers down, anchored vessels, docks, and marina areas. PWCs are not to e operated within 50 feet in Virginia and 100 feet in North Carolina of docks, shorelines, other vessels or swimmers. The vessel operator is liable for any damage caused by his vessel to other persons or property. Do not operate in excess of safe speed when entering channels, coves or congested areas.

Be alert for buoys and become familiar with their messages. It is unlawful to tie up or moor to buoys. It is unlawful to move buoys.

It is unlawful to tie up to or moor to bridges.

Sailboats not under power and boats propelled by oars or paddles have the right of way.

Any accident involving physical injury, death, or damage exceeding the value of $2000 in NC or in VA, must be reported to the property state agency (NC Wildlife Resources or VA Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries).

Public Education

Safe Boating Week starts May 22-28, 2021. Don’t forget the PFD and wear it. Remember it’s probably too late to put it on once you are in the water. For more information on Safe Boating Week and why it matters, visit:

https://safeboatingcampaign.com/news/join-in-national-safe-boating-week-may-22-28/

Join in National Safe Boating Week May 22-28 - Safe Boating Campaign National Safe Boating Week will be held from May 22-28, 2021, reminding all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season. This observance week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of...

The LGA Jack D Saunders Community Shred Event is on Saturday May 8 from 10-1 PM at the RWVFD
on Lizard Creek Road. Same place as other years. Jack was the long time treasurer who started the event. He was the fine gentleman always sitting in the lawn chair who accepted the donations. Event is open to EVERYONE. Donations gladly accepted. Please bring your tax records and other confidential documents and watch as it is obliterated in the shred truck.

Watch your wake and the lake water is pretty darn cold. We have a slightly elevated water level. I’m seeing some boaters from my perch who are cutting in pretty close to docks and shoreline. Please remember you are responsible for any damage caused by your wake.

I’m also seeing folks on paddle boards and kayaks not wearing a PFD. With water temps below 60 degrees, hypothermia is a real risk. Sadly we recently lost someone who fell out of a canoe who wasn’t wearing the PFD. It took first responders a couple of days to find the body.

Please remember the water safety rules and be careful out there. Visit www.LakeGastonWaterSafetyCouncil.com for more information.

Oh, one more thing. A fishing boat recently floated away from the dock. Luckily, boat was recovered thanks to the efforts of Virginia Wildlife and a considerate homeowner. Double check your lines before leaving your boat.

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WASHINGTON – Operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL) as of April 1, 2021, as the U.S. Coast Guard implements a law passed by Congress.

The ECOS and ECOSL prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The ECOSL attaches the vessel operator to a switch that shuts off the engine if the operator is displaced from the helm. The ECOSL is usually a lanyard-style cord that attaches to an ECOS either in close proximity to the helm or on the outboard motor itself if the vessel is operated by a tiller. When enough tension is applied, the ECOSL disengages from the ECOS and the motor is automatically shut down. Wireless ECOS have recently been developed and are also approved for use. These devices use an electronic “fob” that is carried by the operator and senses when it is submerged in water, activating the ECOS and turning the engine off. Wireless devices are available on the aftermarket and are beginning to become available as manufacturer-installed options.

Each year the Coast Guard receives reports of recreational vessel operators who fall or are suddenly and unexpectedly thrown out of their boat. These events have led to injuries and deaths. During these incidents the boat continues to operate with no one in control of the vessel, leaving the operator stranded in the water as the boat continues on course, or the boat begins to circle the person in the water eventually striking them, often with the propeller. These dangerous runaway vessel situations put the ejected operator, other users of the waterway, and marine law enforcement officers and other first responders in serious danger.

Section 503 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 required manufacturers of covered recreational boats (less than 26 feet in length, with an engine capable of 115 lbs. of static thrust) to equip the vessel with an ECOS installed as of December 2019. Owners of recreational vessels produced after December 2019 are required to maintain the ECOS on their vessel in a serviceable condition. It is recommended that recreational vessel owners regularly check their existing ECOS system to ensure it works, following manufacturer’s instructions.

Section 8316 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 requires individuals operating covered recreational vessels (less than 26 feet in length, with an engine capable of 115 lbs. of static thrust; 3 HP or more) to use ECOS “links.” Using the ECOSL is required only when the primary helm is not within an enclosed cabin, and when the boat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. Common situations where ECOSL use would not be required include docking/trailering, trolling and operating in no-wake zones.
The Coast Guard believes that the overwhelming majority of recreational vessels produced for decades have had an ECOS installed, so this new use requirement simply obligates recreational vessel operators to use critical safety equipment already present on their boat.

Seven states currently have ECOS use laws for traditional recreational vessels, and 44 states have ECOS use laws for personal watercraft (PWC).

Boaters are encouraged to check the U.S. Coast Guard website for additional information on this new use requirement and other safety regulations and recommendations.

Zebra mussels-I’ve been told if that gets into the lake we have far bigger problems than Lyngbya.

Special notice from NC Wildlife

Invasive Mussel Found in Pet Store Products in North Carolina: How You Can Help!
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, along with wildlife agencies across the country, is urging pet and aquarium stores as well as aquarium owners to remove and safely dispose of any moss ball plant designed for aquariums, after invasive zebra mussels were discovered inside the products labeled as “Marimo Moss Ball Plant Grab & Go” and “Mini Mariom Moss Balls” (see packaging: Pic 1; Pic 2; Pic 3).
In addition to being illegal to possess in North Carolina, zebra mussels clog pipelines used for water filtration, render beaches unusable, and damage boats. They also negatively impact aquatic ecosystems by harming native organisms.
Zebra mussels have been confirmed in moss balls sold at retailers in North Carolina, including PetSmart. If you have purchased moss balls within the past month, please follow the instructions below about how to properly destroy them and clean your aquariums. Known packaging reads 'Marimo Moss Ball Plant Grab & Go' and 'Mini Marimo Moss Balls', but there are likely more brands that contain the mussels. An overabundance of caution is suggested if you've purchases ANY moss balls recently.
Any aquarium owner who has purchased moss balls should dispose of it immediately and carefully by:
Placing them in a plastic bag and freezing them overnight; or,
Boiling them or soaking them overnight in a bleach solution (one cup bleach per gallon of water).
After freezing or boiling, moss balls should be bagged and disposed of in the trash. Living moss balls or untreated water should not be disposed of in any location where they can reach sewage systems or streams or lakes.
To treat your aquarium:
Remove fish and apply the bleach solution and let it sit for at least one hour before disposing the water down the sink or toilet.
Disinfect filters, gravels and structure as described above and dispose of water down the sink or toilet.
Learn more by reading the Wildlife Commission's Frequently Asked Questions about Zebra Mussels flier.

I received in the mail my new NC 2024 boat decal. Inside the envelope was a good message worth repeating.

Last year, 13 boaters lost their lives in North Carolina waters. 7 of them were not wearing a life vest.

NC Wildlife also asks to Wake Responsibility. These reminders are also worth repeating.

Stay at least 200 feet away from the shoreline, dock or other structures.

Keep music at reasonable levels. Sound travels well over water. If it is loud enough to hear at 80 feet back, it is likely loud enough for homeowners and others to hear too.

Minimize repetitive passes on any one portion of the shoreline. Once you’ve run the same line for awhile, move on to another area.

And for everyone operating a boat, you are responsible for your own wake.