9 Tips For Safe Boating
Brian O Sutter
Traffic Accidents
With the summer season finally here, many Florida residents are excited to hop on their boat and enjoy themselves. However, even an experienced boater can make mistakes. That is why it is always good and important to keep up with the latest safety rules and tips so you can better enjoy your boating experience this summer.1. Be Aware Of The Weather Outside
You should always check the local weather before heading out on the boat. If you notice any darkening cloud, volatile and rough changing winds or a sudden drop in temperature, you should play it safe and get out of the water.
2. Follow A Pre-Departure Checklist
You need to be prepared for anything that might happen on the water. Having a pre-departure checklist is a great way to be sure that nothing important has been overlooked or forgotten.
3. Use Your Common Sense
One of the most important parts of boat safety is to simply use your common sense while on the water. This means always operating the boat at a safe speed, staying alert and aware of your surroundings, and steering clear of any large vessels or watercrafts that will be restricted in their ability to turn or stop. You should also remain respectful of buoys and other navigational aids that have been placed with your safety in mind.
4. Designate A First Mate
It is always best to have more than one person on the board that is familiar with all aspects of boat handling, operations, and safety. This way if the primary navigator is hurt, sick, or incapacitated, you have another person there that can take over and ensure the safety of others on board.
5. Have A ‘Float Plan’ Handy
Before heading out, you should make sure someone on land knows your float plan. This can be a family member, friend, or the staff at your local marina. You should let them know where you are going, how long you plan on being, and how you can be reached while on the boat. This ensures that someone will know how to send help if something goes wrong. This plan may include your name, address, phone numbers of all passengers on board, and boat type and registration number.
6. Use Lifejackets
While lifejackets are not necessarily the most comfortable things to wear, you need to make sure that each of your passengers has a lifejacket on that fits them properly to ensure their safety. After all, the majority of drownings occur when victims neglected to wear a life jacket.
7. Learn To Swim
If you are going to be in, on, or around the water, it is a good idea to know how to swim. Check local organizations, such as the American Red Cross, for classes and training for those of all ages and abilities.
8. Avoid Drinking Alcohol
Save that drink for later. While you are on the boat, you need to be as sober and aware as you can to ensure your own safety as well as the safety of others. In fact, recent studies have shown that the effects of alcohol are doubled by the exposure to sun and wind on the boat.
9. Take A Boating Class
Whether you are just a beginner or have been boating for years, it is always a good idea to review your boating safety rules and procedures before heading out on the water. Even a quick online course can make all the difference.