
No matter how much experience you have, itโs always a good idea for everyone to review boating safety rules before departures. Basic boating safety tips to help you stay safe:
- Be Weather-Wise Always check local weather conditions 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.
- Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist Properย boatingย safetyย includes being prepared for any possibility on the water. Following aย pre-departure checklistย is the best way to make sure noย boatingย safetyย rules or precautions have been overlooked or forgotten.
- Use Common Sense One of the most important parts ofย boatingย safetyย is to use your common sense. This means operating at a safe speed at all times (especially in crowded areas), staying alert at all times and steering 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 to ensure your ownย safety.
- Designate an Assistant Skipper Make sure more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boatโs handling, operations, and generalย boatingsafety. If the primary navigator is injured or incapacitated in any way, itโs important to make sure someone else can follow the properย boatingย safetyย rules to get everyone else back to shore.
- Develop a Float Plan Whether you choose to inform a family member or staff at your local marina, always be sure to let someone else know your float plan. This should include where youโre going and how long youโre going to be gone.A float plan can include the following information:
- name, address, and phone number of trip leader
- name and phone number of all passengers
- boat type and registration information
- trip itinerary
- Learn to Swim If youโre going to be in and around the water, properย boatingย safetyย includes 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.
- Take aย Boatingย Course Beginning boaters and experienced experts alike need to be familiar with theย boatingย safetyย rules of operation. Boater education requirements vary by state; however, some require validated completion of at least oneย boatingย safetyย course. Regardless of your individual state’s requirements, it’s always important to be educated and prepared for every circumstance that might arise. You can learnย boatingย safetyย rules by taking a local community course orย online courseย to help educate yourself.
- Consider a Free Vesselย Safetyย CheckTake advantage of a free vesselย safetyย check from theย US Coast Guard. They offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certainย safetyย equipment required by state and federal regulations. Free of charge, theyโll provide a specialist to check out your boat and make helpfulย boatingย safetyย tipsย and recommendations. They also offer virtual onlineย safetychecks as well.
- Make Proper Use of Lifejackets Did you know that the majority of drowning victims are the result of boaters not wearing theirย lifejackets? Make sure that your family and friends arenโt part of this statistic by assigning and fitting each member of your onboard team with a life jacket prior to departure. Wear it!