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6/10/2023
In this post by AMSOIL: Mooresville Synthetic Oil in Mooresville, we’ll cover the best practices for safe watercraft riding on this beautiful lake. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know. 

Lake Norman is one of the most popular destinations for watercraft riding in North Carolina. This beautiful lake spans over 50 square miles and has over 500 miles of shoreline. The lake offers numerous opportunities for water activities such as fishing, swimming, water skiing, and jet skiing. However, like any other water body, Lake Norman can only be safe if practice safe watercraft riding. This post will discuss the essential safety precautions and regulations you must follow while riding your watercraft on Lake Norman.

Stay safe on the water with proper boat maintenance! Trust Mooresville Synthetic Oil in Mooresville for the best products like AMSOIL 10W-30 Synthetic Marine Engine Oil. Contact us at (336) 247-0212 or visit AMSOIL's online store to place your order today.

Essential Safety Precautions

Before heading out to the lake, ensure you're familiar with the essential safety precautions. Here are some of the most important ones:
  1. Wear a life jacket: Regardless of your swimming abilities, you should always wear a life jacket while riding a watercraft. A life jacket can keep you afloat in an emergency and is an essential piece of safety equipment.
  2. Know your limits: Make sure you know your abilities and limitations before you get on a watercraft. Don't attempt any maneuvers or speeds that you're not comfortable with.
  3. Check the weather: Check the weather forecast before heading out to the lake. Avoid riding your watercraft during thunderstorms or high winds.
  4. Don't drink and drive: Operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous. Don't drink and drive.
  5. Take a boating safety course: If you're a new watercraft rider, it's essential to take a boating safety course. These courses teach you the basic safety precautions and regulations you must follow while riding a watercraft.

Boating Regulations on Lake Norman

When boating, it's always good to be up to date on the most current regulations to ensure your safety and that of others. For Lake Norman, here are some rules to keep in mind:
  • If you were born after January 1st, 1988, you must complete the Boater Safety Education Course to operate a vessel legally.
  • Make sure to have one lifejacket per person on board.
  • People being towed by a boat or personal watercraft must always wear a personal flotation device (PFD), and so must operators and passengers on personal watercraft.
  • Children under the age of 13 must wear a PFD at all times.
  • It's strongly recommended for people 13 and older to wear a PFD on all vessels, but having one per person onboard is sufficient as long as it's easily accessible.
  • Don't operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substances. If you want to have some drinks while boating, consider booking a captain for a worry-free trip.

Don't compromise on safety when enjoying your watercraft! Keep it well-maintained with top-quality AMSOIL products from Mooresville Synthetic Oil in Mooresville. Call us at (336) 247-0212 or shop online at AMSOIL's online store to get started.

Tips for Safe Watercraft Riding

In addition to the essential safety precautions and regulations, here are some tips that can help you ride your watercraft safely on Lake Norman:
  1. Keep a safe distance: Maintain a safe distance from other watercraft riders, swimmers, and stationary objects like docks or buoys.
  2. Be alert: Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for other watercraft riders, obstacles, and changing weather conditions.
  3. Use hand signals: Use hand signals to communicate with other watercraft riders. Signals like waving your hand to indicate your direction or waving your hand over your head to signal that you're stopping can help prevent accidents.
  4. Avoid weeds and obstacles: Be aware of areas with weeds or underwater obstacles. These can damage your watercraft or cause accidents if you're not careful.Maintain your watercraft: Regularly maintain it to ensure it's in good condition. Check the engine, steering, and other parts before heading out to the lake.

Emergency Preparedness

Even if you follow all the safety precautions, emergencies can still happen. It's essential to be prepared for any unexpected situations. Here are some tips for emergency preparedness while riding your watercraft on Lake Norman:
  • Carry a first aid kit: Always have a first aid kit on board in case of injuries or accidents.
  • Have a communication device: Carry a communication device like a cell phone or a two-way radio to call for help in an emergency.
  • Know the location: Be familiar with the nearest marina or dock location if you need assistance.
  • Have a float plan: Let someone know your float plan, including your planned route, expected return time, and the number of people on board. This can help rescue teams find you if you get lost or experience issues.

Ensure a smooth and safe ride on your watercraft with Mooresville Synthetic Oil in Mooresville’s top-notch AMSOIL products and expert advice. Dial (336) 247-0212 or visit AMSOIL's online store to order today and keep your boat in top condition!