Whether you’re a bonafide boat captain or you’re simply planning on spending a lot of time on the open water this summer, you want to be safe and be savvy. While boating is a super fun activity for everyone to enjoy, it’s also one that can turn dangerous in the blink of an eye. Especially when the proper procedures aren’t followed.
If you’d like to learn how to create a more fun and safe experience for you and everyone else aboard your vessel, then this is a great guide to get you started. Read on for some essential boat safety tips everyone should know.
1. Have a Designated Driver
On the water as on land, drinking and operating a vehicle is never a good idea. If you’re the boat’s captain, you should make sure you’re not under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substances. If you impair your reflexes or your judgment, this could end up having dire consequences for you and everyone on board.
2. Wear a Life Jacket
As a general rule, everyone on board your boat should have a life jacket on at all times. Even if they consider themselves a strong swimmer.
This is a safety precaution and one that’s recommended for good reason. The US Coast Guard estimates life jackets could save the lives of more than 80% of boating fatality victims.
3. Have a Boat Safety Kit
One thing that’s really handy to have on board your vessel will be a boat safety kit. This is a kit you can use to house all sorts of useful items to help you out in case of an emergency.
It can include things like extra life jackets, a flashlight, flares, a whistle, ropes—whatever you think could come in handy. A first aid kit with medical supplies is another essential item to add to your boat.
4. Always Check the Weather
Lots of accidents and sticky situations could be avoided if boats didn’t choose to go out on the water when the conditions are unfavorable. This is why it’s so important to always check the water before you go. You can check the day before, but it’s a good idea to also check just before you set off, and also perform a visual inspection of the water to get an even better idea of what you’re dealing with.
5. You Need a Bilge Pump
The bilge is the section of your boat located on the inside of the hull toward the bottom. It can happen that water will collect there for lots of different reasons. This is where the bilge pump comes in.
Bilge pumps remove any excess water and pump it back out into the ocean around your boat. This piece of boat safety equipment can be a lifesaver when your boat is becoming flooded.
Boat Safety Made Simple
We hope that these boat safety tips have enlightened you about some of the most important aspects of boat safety. If you are the captain of a coat, it’s a good idea to enroll in a boating safety course for extra information. If you’re looking for more information on boats and boat safety, check out the rest of our site now.