NAVIGATING INLETS

The new "NAVIGATING INLETS" video covers the fundamentals of crossing major waterway entrances. Viewers will learn how to prepare for departing and returning through challenging inlets. Also featured are tips for maneuvering safely and warnings about hazards. Learn more at bit.ly/BoatingEd. Join USPS at bit.ly/JoinUSPS.

[@annp8854]

Great video. A learning tool for everyone who wants to be safe on the water.

[@WTF00007]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@jimquantic]

Boaters, and what do you do if suddenly, you lose your engine? Even brand new, it can suck up fishing line, or a plastic bag (happened to me), an alarm whistle can sound (or not) and the engine shuts down. RIGHT NOW, you begin to wallow, and swing so that your nose is no longer facing the swell. What now? Same deal if water starts rushing in--from where? And, what do you do--right now--not later, right now, what do you do? Play the "what if" game all the time, make it automatic once you find out what to do. At that moment, is no time to think about it for the first time. Just recently, a man with a gorgeous boat, coming into my harbor, came over the radio screaming like a child--engine had stopped, he was heading into the rocks--and no idea what to do. DO YOU KNOW?

[@rykehuss3435]

Drop anchor is the first thing to do if engine malfunctions and youre near the shore. If at sea then a sea anchor can help you keep the bow to the waves. Also worthwhile practice doing that in adverse weather, so you dont have to try it the first time when its a real emergency

[@jimquantic]

That's right, yes too many boaters have never even thought about it--or, they HAVE thought about it, but do not have the anchor ready with a quick drop method. @@rykehuss3435