Getting out and about during the warmest time of the year may be on your summer agenda. This could be especially true if you have a boat. Regardless if you’re going fishing, waterskiing or just cruising around with various water sports, you’ll want to remain safe. Fortunately, there are several ways to ensure you have fun and stay well while boating.
Going on a boat ride is a fun summer activity. By practicing some basic boat safety tips, you’ll be sure to have a trip that is amazing, and more importantly, not dangerous. Start working on your boating skills today to help you reach your goals tomorrow on your boat!
To help you get started, here are seven boat safety tips you need to practice:
Tip #1: Have a lifejacket
This boat safety tip is vital to your well-being and that of the others on your boat to have lifejackets onboard. Hopefully, this lifesaving item won’t be needed, but you never want to leave the land without it.
Having a lifejacket for every person that’s on the boat is crucial. You typically may have the same passengers with you over and over again, so planning for this should be easy.
You’ll also want to know how to use this device correctly. Planning a drill or two with others and going through the protocol of using the jacket is essential.
Tip #2: Take a boating course
Learning many of the skills you’ll need from the experts is a great way to ensure you never have an incident on your boat. Many colleges teach boat safety courses, and this is one you should sign up for during your free time. These courses will teach you many of the essential boat safety tips in a classroom setting.
You can also learn how to drive the boat properly and doing this will ensure you have minimal challenges while boating. The more you can know about this process, the better it will be for you and your crew.
Tip #3: Follow a departure list
There are numerous things you’ll need to do to keep you and your boat safe when taking off from port. You’ll want to check this off the departure list to ensure you get all these done correctly and within a timely manner.
Working with an official boating professional in your area can allow you to get instant access to this list. Read through all the necessary steps beforehand and then complete these steps one-by-one to help you have the best experience ever.
Tip #4: Watch the weather
One of the best things you can do is tune into the cold to help you have a safer boat experience. The last thing you’ll ever want to do is attempt to get out on the lake with a severe storm headed your way.
This could increase the chances of your boat turning over or getting lost. Working to remain safe will mean staying tuned into the latest forecast before you head out on the water.
Tip #5: Consider a float plan
Having several plans that will allow you to stay safe in the event of adverse situations is critical to your success. For instance, what if the boat were to have significant issues, and you need to float?
Putting a float plan in motion could be the key to minimizing injuries and even saving lives. This is something you’ll want to do before you attempt to board the boat.
Tip #6: Check the boat for problems
Doing a thorough inspection of the boat will allow you to find and fix any issues quickly that need to have your attention. For instance, do you see a small hole in the flooring of the boat? If so, you don’t want to take this boat out on the water until this issue is entirely repaired. Doing so will enable you to be safer and potentially avoid a major disaster.
Looking for any problems could be the key to avoiding a catastrophe well beforehand. Don’t attempt to start your boating adventure until you make sure the boat is safe. During your routine check-up, make sure you check that the boat motor and outboard engine are still working.
Tip #7: Use common sense
One of the best things you can do have a safe boating trip is to practice common sense before getting on the boat only. Doing this will allow you to avoid many issues that could occur otherwise and help you stay safe.
For instance, it’s never a good idea to get on a boat if you’ve had too much to drink. This could impair your judgement and lead to several significant problems for you in the long run.
Additionally, if you’re sleep deprived, it’s best to put off your boating trip until you feel better. Doing this can allow you to get the most out of your day and remain safe.
