It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over and that Labor Day weekend is just around the corner!  While we’ll still experience beautiful weather and many opportunities to enjoy hiking, swimming, boating and other outdoor activities around Lake Nacimiento well into the fall; this holiday weekend tends to be the last big weekend for those enjoying their summer vacation homes.

As you know, here at Oak Shores Realty, our team of experienced Lake Nacimiento Real Estate agents want to help buyers and current homeowners experience the best life possible here on Lake Nacimiento.  One way to do this is through lake safety.  It’s always good, even if you live in Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch year round, to keep important safety tips at the forefront of your mind.

If you’re visiting Lake Nacimiento over Labor Day weekend, or have friends and family coming to visit you, be sure to go over these safety rules with everyone for a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Basic Safety

• Always wear sunscreen!
• Make sure everyone in your boat can swim, and if not, that floating devices are used and there is someone watching that person at all times.
• Never swim alone! Even the most experienced swimmers can experience fatigue, or an injury that will make it hard to swim
• Always watch children who are anywhere near water! The most accidents happen when children are wading in shallow water, so always make sure they’re supervised!
• Be sure to swim only in designated swimming areas.
• Look before you leap! Never dive into water unless you know that it’s deep enough to do so. Always keep your hands above your head when diving to ensure safety.
• Never mix swimming or boating with alcohol.

Water Skiing
To make your water skiing fun, safe, sensible and successful, practice these safe driving tips:

• Check steering and throttle controls for proper operation before towing skier.
• On take-offs, never accelerate until a definite signal is given by skier.
• When under way, keep attention ahead. The observer is to watch the skier.
• Never follow other boats. Always look before turning. Avoid shallow water.
• Promote safety by staying away from other boats, swimmers, fishermen and solid objects.
• Return to fallen skier immediately. Slow to idle as you approach skier, moving in on the driver’s side.
• Shut off engine while skier climbs into or out of boat. Discourage skiers from boarding over transom.
• High speed landings cause injuries. When skiing into shore, reduce speed and parallel the landing area at a safe distance.
• Do not tow non-swimmers or weak swimmers unless they wear an approved and appropriate flotation device.

Person Overboard
If someone falls overboard, follow these procedures:

• Toss a life-saving device even if the person can swim. A life ring is the preferred device. It can be thrown farther and is easier to hang on to. However, use whatever device is nearest. Time is essential.
• Slow the boat, keeping the person in view. Other persons onboard should act as look outs. At night, direct the best possible lights on the victim.
• Try to approach the person from downwind or into the waves. Always use common sense and good judgment. Consider existing condition and ability of the victim and what other help is available. If someone aboard is capable, have the person put on a life-saving device with a line attached to the boat and enter the water to assist the person.
• Always stop the motor when someone is going over the side, or coming aboard.
• Assist the person in boarding the boat. It is difficult to climb into a boat from the water. The person may be hurt or cold and may require help.

Passengers

• Wearing a Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) is your only guarantee against drowning.
• Do not overload the boat.
• Avoid horseplay.
• Have PDF’s readily available for everyone.
• In small boats, remain seated.
• Trim boat by placing passengers and gear in balance.

Before Leaving…

• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Check weather forecasts.
• Ventilate bilges before starting engine.
• Be sure your boat is basically equipped.

While Underway…

• Know and obey the rules of the road.
• Post a lookout for bathers, fishermen, swimmers, debris.
• Reduce speed in harbors and in confined areas. Avoid excessive speed.
• Make no sharp turns at high speed.
• Watch your wake! You could be responsible for injury or damage caused by it.
• In rough water, stay low in the boat and cross waves at a slight angle.
• Keep red-buoys on your right when traveling upstream.
• Tying up to buoys or anchoring in channels is forbidden.
• Carry sufficient tools for minor repairs.

Fueling Tips

• Stop smoking and extinguish all fires.
• Close all vents, doors, hatches.
• Ground the nozzle to tank opening.
• Portable tanks should be filled outside of boat.
• Ventilate engine compartment before starting.

Always Have the Following Items in Your Boat:

• Personal flotation device
• Paddle
• Towline
• Emergency radio
• Bailing device
• Whistle or horn
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Flares

* Please note that due to the fact that Monterey County is releasing heavily, water levels will continue to drop each day.  It’s important to keep on the look out for obstacles and shallow water! *

Giving yourself and others this refresher course in safety will help ensure you have a great weekend on Lake Nacimiento!

If you don’t currently own a home in Oak Shores or Heritage Ranch, but have been interested in moving to the area or having your own vacation getaway; please contact me today!  There are new homes coming onto the Lake Nacimiento Real Estate market each week, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs, budget and lifestyle.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Grace Borzini
Your Local Lake Nacimiento Real Estate Expert
Oak Shores Realty

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Oak Shores Realty specializes in Oak Shores at Lake Nacimiento properties. Please contact us today to get more information on Lake Nacimiento lake homes. Oak Shores Realty can also provide you an insiders “Lake Nacimiento Buying Guide” with great information including maps and market information.

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