Getting out on the water is a popular recreational activity when the weather warms up. Whether you use a motorized boat or sailboat, don’t forget safety above all else. Boating is still a risky pastime and hundreds of accidental deaths occur every year. To minimize your chances of being caught in a life threatening situation while on the water, here are some safety tips:
1. Check the Water Conditions – Before heading out, make sure you check the local forecast. Storms can come up suddenly and without warning. Signs of bad weather coming your way include dark clouds, strong winds, and a significant drop in temperature. Head for shore as soon as possible.
2. Stay Alert – While out on the water, stay alert to what is happening around you. Be aware of other vehicles close by, individuals in the water, and buoys that mark safety zones for vessels. Maintain safe speeds and use common sense. When in doubt, error on the side of caution.
3. Follow a Safety Checklist and Appoint an Assistant – Make sure you have everything you need before leaving shore in terms of safety gear and that you are following all regulations. Check to make sure you have Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for everyone on board, all of your instruments are working properly, you have enough fuel and that you are carrying the necessary permits and papers. It also helps to have another person who is familiar with your craft and safety procedures if something happens to the designated captain.
4. Tell Others of Your Plan – Inform friends, family members, and/or the local marina of your float plan which includes your itinerary, the names and addresses of everyone on board, your boat’s registration, and what safety equipment you have on board.
5. Taking a Boating Safety Course and Learn to Swim – If you are going to be out on the water frequently, it is probably a good idea to learn how to swim and take a boating safety course. There are many organizations that offer these and you can even find safety courses online.
6. Steer Clear of Alcohol –Alcohol impairs your ability to respond to situations and the possibility of boating accidents doubles with the use of alcohol. Stay safe by avoiding alcohol consumption.
7. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) – Many drowning deaths occur only because boaters did not wear their lifejacket. Invest in your safety and that of loved ones by requiring that everyone on board have one.
Moreover, besides a standard first aid kit, here are some supplies that each boat should have on board in the case of an emergency:
– A throwable device (ring or cushion) for vessels longer than 16 feet
– Sound producing devices (bells, air horns, whistles)
– Flashlight and spare batteries
– Visual Distress Signals (flares) for both day and night
– Fire extinguisher
– A toolbox with tools
– Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
– VHF Radio
– Extra dock lines and throwable ropes
– Extra food and potable water
1 comment
Hello Rebecca:
For anyone who is contemplating buying or using any type of watercraft :
The single most important thing that should be done before anything else is to take a water safety/boating class. These classes are given year-round at locations across the U.S. by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and by the U.S. Power Squadron. These classes are vital to anyone who is going out onto the water, regardless of watercraft being used (sail, power boat, jet ski, etc.). Just like on the roads, there are critically important rules regarding who has the ‘right of way’ and all watercraft must obey these rules. (http://www.uscgboating.org/regulations/navigation_rules.aspx)
There are also many critical aids to navigation as well, which incorporate day and night signs/shapes and light that are important to understand.
And finally having all the right equipment onboard your watercraft is great, but only if you know how to properly use it… By getting the training, you will have an understanding of all of the foregoing items and more. Safety starts with knowledge and training!
Cheers! Capt. Bill
Capt. William E. Simpson II – USMM
Semper Veritas / Semper Paratus
http://www.WilliameSimpson.com
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