What should you do if you see a buoy marking a channel?

Following the channel indicated by the buoy is essential for safe navigation. Buoys are placed to demarcate safe routes for vessels, indicating the deeper water within the channel and helping to prevent boats from running aground or colliding with submerged hazards. When you see a buoy marking a channel, it serves as a crucial navigational aid that provides guidance on where to navigate your vessel safely. By adhering to the channel indicated, you are making use of established waterway management practices designed to protect both your safety and that of the environment and other waterway users.

Choosing to ignore the buoy, turn around, or anchor could lead to unsafe conditions, such as grounding, collisions, or obstruction of traffic. Following the channel ensures compliance with navigation laws, ultimately promoting a safer boating experience for all.