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Be Weather-wise
Always check local weather conditions
for boating safety before departure-
TV and radio forecasts can be a good
source of information. If you notice
darkening clouds, volatile and rough
changing winds, or sudden drops in temperature,
play it safe by getting off the water.
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Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist
Proper boating safety means being prepared
for any possibility on the water. From
compliance with fire safety regulations
to tips for fueling up, following a
pre-departure checklist is the best
way to make sure no boating safety rules
or precautions have been forgotten.
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Use Common Sense
One of the most important parts of boating
safety is to use your common sense.
This means operating at a safe speed
at all times, especially in crowded
areas. Be alert at all times, and steer
clear of large vessels and watercraft
that can be restricted in their ability
to stop or turn. Also be respectful
of buoys and other navigational aids,
all of which have been placed there
for one reason only- to ensure your
own boating safety.
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Designate an Assistant Skipper
Make sure more than only one person
on board is familiar with all aspects
of your boat’s handling, operations,
and other boating safety tips. If the
primary navigator is injured or incapacitated
in any way, it’s important to
make sure someone else can follow the
proper boating safety rules to get everyone
else back to shore.
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Develop a Float Plan
Whether you choose to inform a family
member or staff at your local marina,
always be sure let someone else know
your float plan in terms of where you’re
going and how long you’re going
to be gone.
A float plan can include the following
information: name, address, and phone
number of trip leader: name and number
of all passengers; boat type and registration
information; trip itinerary; types of
communication and signal equipment onboard.
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Make Proper Use of Lifejackets
Did you know that the majority of drowning
victims as the result of boating accidents
were found not to be wearing a Lifejacket?
Make sure that your family and friends
aren’t part of this statistic
by assigning and fitting each member
of your onboard team with a Lifejacket-prior
to departure.
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Avoid Alcohol
Practice boating safety at all times
by saving the alcohol for later. The
probability of being involved in a boating
accident doubles when alcohol is involved,
and studies have also shown that the
affect of alcohol is exacerbated by
external effects such as sun and wind.
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Learn to Swim
If you’re going to be in and around
the water, proper boating safety means
knowing how to swim. Local organizations
such as the American Red Cross and others
offer training for all ages and abilities-
check to see what classes are offered
in your area!
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Take a Boating Course
Beginning boaters and experienced experts
alike need be familiar with boating
safety rules of operation. Boater education
requirements vary by state- some require
validated completion of at least one
boating safety course. Regardless of
your individual state's requirements,
it's always important to be educated,
aware and prepared for every circumstance
that might arise. You can learn boating
safety rules by taking a local community
course, or there are online tutorials
to help educate novice boaters.
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Consider a Free Vessel Safety
Check
Take advantage of a free Vessel Safety
Check from the US Coast Guard (see links
below). They offer complimentary boat
examinations to verify the presence
and condition of certain Safety Equipment
required by State and the Federal regulations.
Free of charge, they’ll provide
a specialist to check out your boat
and make helpful boating safety tips
and recommendations. They also offer
virtual online safety checks as well.
Find a vessel Safety check examiner
closest to you.
No
matter how much experience you have, it’s
always a good idea for everyone to review
boating safety rules before departures.
Read below to familiarize yourself with
these 10 basic boating safety tips:
