Now that warm weather is with us, so are boaters on the Pamlico River and its tributaries. Boating is an integral way of life in the Pamlico region. Let’s make sure the region’s boating activities remain safe.

Helping maintain a safe-boating culture in the region is the Pamlico Sail and Power Squadron. The squadron has a history of promoting boating safety. Last year on the Washington waterfront, the squadron had an informational booth to promote boating safety. It conducted several boating-safety seminars and boater-education courses.

The squadron, along with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, conducts boating-safety checks of vessels. This is a free service during which a trained inspector will review state and federal requirements regarding safety equipment mandated for boats.

The squadron also supports the area’s Toys for Tots campaign each Christmas season. It also provides boating-education classes for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, not to mention local, state and federal agencies.

Because of its efforts, the squadron no doubt saves lives and turns out safer boaters.

That’s a good thing to know as boating season gets under way.