Having an enjoyable and safe day on the water means planning ahead and using your common sense.
Many boaters are only interested in water fun, and they may overlook some of the more basic safety rules.
It’s easy to forget about boat safety when you think about a fun day on board, but everyone will be better off if you take boat safety into account when you plan your voyage.
Before you leave home, be sure you know what body of water you are headed to, who is going to be in your party, and what time you expect to be returning home.
This is even more critical when you will be boating on the ocean, but boat safety is nothing to leave behind even if you’re just going out off your own dock.
The farther away you will be from home, the more important it is that someone who is not in your party knows where you are headed and when you will be back, so that they will be able to call help for you if you are overdue.
Give this person a call if you are running late, so they don’t worry.
Boat safety begins like this, before you ever step aboard.
Check your boat to make sure it’s seaworthy. Don’t drive a boat that is taking on water, however small the amount may seem.
Make sure your engine is in good repair and that you have life preservers and other boat safety equipment on board.
Never put more people or gear on your boat than the manufacturer recommends, and be prepared for bad weather, even if it’s sunny and mild when you set out.
Keeping an eye on the conditions to be alert for change is an integral part of boat safety.
Make sure you have enough fuel for your trip, so that you won’t be stranded in the middle of the lake with no way back in to shore.
Boat safety includes ensuring that you won’t be broken down or out of fuel with noplace to turn.
