05/20/2026
🚤 Boater’s Safety Tip: Stay Alert Around Ocean Markers! 🌊
When navigating coastal waters, it’s easy to trust markers and maps—but sometimes the reality can surprise you. The water beside an ocean marker can be so low at certain tides that all you find is marsh mud! This is especially true in areas with extreme tidal changes, where water levels can even go negative.
Here’s what every boater should keep in mind:
🔹 Don’t assume it’s safe to drive right up to a marker. Even if a map suggests it, shallow mudflats or sandbars can be just beneath the surface.
🔹 Be vigilant and keep a sharp lookout. Watch for subtle changes in water color or texture that may indicate shallow spots.
🔹 Understand your local tides. Coastal waters can have dramatic tidal swings—check tide charts before you head out.
🔹 Use depth finders and GPS as tools, not guarantees. Technology helps, but always combine it with good old-fashioned observation.
Staying safe on the water means respecting the environment and being prepared for what lies beneath. Keep these tips in mind to protect your boat—and yourself!
Happy and safe boating! ⚓️
