by BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
The Geary County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit responded to three separate boating incidents on Milford Lake over the holiday weekend.
The Marine Unit is comprised of Geary County Sheriff's Deputies and Junction City Fire Department EMTS/Swift Water Rescue Swimmers.
In all three incidents, the boats were disabled and taking on water, all occupants in each incident were brought to safety without further incidents.
Officials with the Sheriff's Office reminded lake-goers to create a short checklist before putting your boat in the water to ensure the safety of all passengers.
Recommended items for the checklist include:
• Making sure the boat plug is secure.
• Insuring you have appropriate number of coast guard approved life jackets and make sure that they are appropriately sized for each occupant.
• Insure that you have plenty of fuel.
• Make sure you have an undamaged throw cushion.
• Boat has a functioning whistle or horn.
• Boat has a functioning fire extinguisher.
• Check your kill switch to make sure it is plugged in and attached to the driver’s vest when in operation.
• Map or navigation options for the waterway you are going to be on.
• Cellular phone or other means of communication. If you do not have cellular phone or other means of communication, let someone know. where you will be launching and give them a rough time line of return.
• Make sure that your vessel is properly registered.