KENNEWICK, Wash. – As boating season begins, Memorial Day weekend approaches and Boat Safety Week ends, it’s important for local boat owners to ensure their safety on the water.
NonStop Local spoke with Deputy Brad Klippert from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Marine Division who shared common mistakes on the water and how to avoid them.
Deputy Klippert explained that one of the key services offered by the BCSO marine deputies is vessel safety inspections.
“People come to us and ask us what equipment do we need on our vessel, and we’ll actually do a vessel safety inspection, and we’ll give you a safety inspection sticker,” said Deputy Klippert.
He emphasized that these inspections can be done at the boat docks or even out on the river.
Deputy Klippert also took a moment to express gratitude: “I just pause for a second to say thank you to all the veterans who have served us and to the families who have lost loved ones serving our country. So thank you, veterans, for your service to our country on Memorial Day weekend.”
He highlighted two common issues boaters face: hitting rocks when entering the water and failing to test their boats before launching.
“This is usually the first weekend people have their boats out on the water,” he said.
He advised, “I start mine in the driveway just to make sure it’s going to fire… then I know it’s going to start when you get here.”
Deputy Klippert recommended keeping the boat connected to the trailer when launching.
“I strongly encourage people to leave it connected to the lanyard on your trailer so that if it doesn’t start you’re right there you can reel it right back in and pull it out of the water and find out what the problem is,” he stated.
The BCSO marine deputies are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable boating season for everyone in the Kennewick area.
Stay safe and enjoy the water responsibly this Memorial Day weekend.
