Quick Summary
As boating season gets underway, MasterCraft’s Kellie LaPelusa recently appeared on WCNC’s LIVE IMPACT NEWS in Charlotte to share practical boating safety reminders for families and boaters heading out on the water. During the six-minute segment, she emphasized the importance of wearing Coast Guard-approved life jackets, using pre-launch safety checklists, and developing safe habits before every outing.
Whether you’re preparing for a day of wake surfing on Lake Norman, cruising with family on Lake Wylie, or introducing someone to boating for the first time, boat safety should always be the first item on your checklist.
That was the message Kellie LaPelusa shared during her recent appearance on WCNC’s LIVE IMPACT NEWS. Introduced as part of the MasterCraft team, Kellie walked viewers through several simple but essential boating safety practices designed to help boaters start the season confidently and responsibly.
The segment featured extensive MasterCraft footage throughout the broadcast, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to promoting safe boating for all water enthusiasts.
At Dyer Marine, a family-owned dealership and authorized MasterCraft dealer serving the Carolinas, we believe these reminders are especially important as waterways become busier throughout the summer months. Dyer Marine has built its reputation on helping boaters find the right vessel while supporting them with education, service, and long-term ownership guidance.
The Importance of Wearing a Coast Guard-Approved Life Jacket
One of the most important points Kellie highlighted was the value of wearing a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
While many boaters keep life jackets onboard to satisfy legal requirements, Kellie reminded viewers that simply having them stored away is not enough. Wearing a life jacket significantly improves safety, especially during unexpected situations such as falls overboard, changing weather conditions, collisions, or mechanical issues.
During the segment, she showcased a Connelly life jacket as an example of modern safety equipment that combines comfort with protection. Today’s life jackets are designed to be lightweight, flexible, and far more comfortable than many boaters remember from years past.
For families, ensuring every passenger has access to and wears the appropriate life jacket remains one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce risk on the water.
Using Technology to Build Better Safety Habits
Another valuable takeaway from Kellie’s interview involved the growing role technology can play in boating safety.
She discussed how newer MasterCraft models equipped with telematics technology can be connected through the MasterCraft app. Beyond providing vessel information and connectivity features, the system can also serve as a convenient pre-launch safety checklist before heading onto the water.
Pre-launch checklists help boaters verify important items such as:
- Safety equipment availability
- Fuel levels
- Battery status
- Weather awareness
- Passenger readiness
- Navigation planning
Even experienced boaters can occasionally overlook simple details during busy summer weekends. A structured checklist helps create consistency and reduces the likelihood of preventable mistakes.
For new boat owners especially, tools like these can help establish safe habits from the very beginning.
Safety Tips Are Most Effective When They Become Routine
One of the strengths of Kellie’s presentation was how approachable her recommendations were.
Rather than focusing on complicated regulations or technical procedures, she centered the discussion around simple habits that anyone can remember and follow. Safe boating is often less about major decisions and more about consistently performing small actions before every trip.
These include:
- Checking weather conditions before departure
- Ensuring all required safety equipment is onboard
- Confirming passengers know basic safety procedures
- Wearing life jackets when appropriate
- Completing a pre-launch inspection
- Avoiding distractions while operating the vessel
When these practices become routine, they help create a safer experience for everyone onboard.
A Message That Applies to Every Boater
Although the segment highlighted MasterCraft products and technology, Kellie’s message extended far beyond any single brand.
She concluded the interview with a simple reminder:
“The one thing we want you to remember here at MasterCraft is we want all boaters to be safe no matter what.”
That philosophy resonates strongly with the team at Dyer Marine. Whether someone owns a MasterCraft wake boat, a Pathfinder fishing boat, a pontoon, or any other vessel, the goal remains the same: helping families create memorable experiences on the water while prioritizing safety every step of the way.
As boating activity increases throughout the summer season, now is the perfect time to review your safety equipment, refresh your boating knowledge, and make safety part of every outing.
FAQs
Strong swimming ability does not eliminate the risks associated with boating accidents. Unexpected falls, injuries, fatigue, rough water, or sudden weather changes can quickly create dangerous situations. A Coast Guard-approved life jacket provides flotation immediately and helps keep individuals visible and supported until assistance arrives. This is why boating safety professionals consistently recommend wearing life jackets rather than simply storing them onboard.
A pre-launch safety checklist is a series of inspections and reminders completed before leaving the dock. It helps boaters verify that safety equipment is onboard, weather conditions are acceptable, fuel levels are adequate, batteries are functioning properly, and passengers are prepared for the trip. Completing a checklist reduces the chance of overlooking important safety steps and helps create a more enjoyable day on the water.
Certain newer MasterCraft boats include telematics technology that connects with the MasterCraft app. According to Kellie LaPelusa, the app can serve as a convenient pre-launch safety tool by helping owners review important items before heading out. While technology should never replace good judgment, digital checklists can help reinforce safe boating habits and improve overall preparedness.
The overall message of the segment was that boating safety starts before the boat leaves the dock. Wearing Coast Guard-approved life jackets, completing safety checks, using available technology, and developing consistent habits all contribute to safer experiences on the water. Kellie’s closing message emphasized that every boater, regardless of vessel type or experience level, should make safety the top priority.
Safety equipment should be inspected before every boating season and checked regularly throughout the year. Life jackets should be in good condition and properly sized, fire extinguishers should be fully charged, navigation lights should function correctly, and emergency equipment should remain accessible. Regular inspections help ensure everything works properly when it is needed most.
