Boating Tips To Keep You Safe On The Water This Summer
Boating Tips to Stay Safe and Have Fun on the Water
Warm weather is here, which means it’s boating season. Whether you plan to sail offshore or dock at the bottom of a river, there are precautions every boater needs to take to avoid hazards on the water. Below are some boating tips and safety measures to ensure everyone on the boat returns to shore safely.
At the beginning of the season or if you are new to boating, the first step to take is to review all boat safety course rules, traffic rules and other area-specific regulations. Obtaining and verifying such relevant information can be critical to avoiding accidents or even death. In fact, in 2020, 77% of boating deaths occurred on vessels whose operators did not receive boating safety training.
Preparing for a day out on the water includes many aspects of boat ownership. Check the timing first to see if it's optimal. If a storm is expected, avoid going out on that day. Then check who will be with you, where the destination is and when everyone hopes to return. This information is valuable if something goes wrong and the relevant authorities need to be alerted for rescue.
Also check all safety devices on board to make sure they are working. This equipment may include a first aid kit, flashlight, emergency siren, fire extinguisher, life jackets and more. Speaking of life jackets, every member of the group must wear a life jacket without exception. In 2020, drowning is the leading cause of fatal boating accidents. Of these victims, around 86% were not wearing life jackets.
After this work is done, carry out the necessary maintenance on the boat. Start by inspecting all engine components and fuel lines and fins for trapped debris or damage. Of the more than 5,265 accidents reported in 2020, 247 involved at least one person getting hit by the propeller.
The five main factors that contribute to accidents are operator inattention, lack of operator experience, improper supervision, excessive speed and machine failure. When accidents end fatally, alcohol plays a major role. Consuming alcohol before and during a boat trip is especially dangerous because its effect on judgment can be exacerbated by aspects of being on the water.
In general, it is important to stay alert and make preparations before traveling. From the moment of push-off to the moment the vessel is safely anchored, vessel owners and operators must pay close attention. Make the most of every trip by making sure everyone on board wears a life jacket, stays hydrated, and follows boat etiquette as they bask in the sun and wade through the waves.
This infographic was created by Veteran Car Donations, give a yacht to charity
For more information and safety tips, see the companion resource.