Boat safety tips that will keep your head above water
Over 230,000 people die from drowning each year worldwide, making it the third leading cause of death across the globe. Knowing some basic boat safety tips can help you from becoming a victim of drowning.
From having the right boat safety equipment to taking the right boating safety course, there is a lot you can do to stay safe on the water. But with the wealth of information out there, how can you know where to start?
Find out all the answers you need in this handy guide to boat safety rules. Here, we discuss some basic boating safety tips everyone should know before heading out for a day of fun. Read on to find out all you need to know.
Know How to Swim
The best boating safety tip is to be a confident swimmer. Even if you are surrounded by competent swimmers, knowing how to swim can be the difference between life or death in a critical situation.
Before you plan on taking any extended or arduous boating adventures, it is a good idea to take some swimming lessons. Heading out boating without basic swimming abilities is a terrible and unsafe idea.
Take a Boating Safety Course
Taking a boating safety course is essential, particularly if you own a vessel. Depending on where you live and the size of your boat, you may be required by law to take a boating safety course before operating your boat.
At the very minimum, you should take a boater safety course online, but an in-person option is much better if you want to gain a full understanding of what it means to be safe while recreating on your boat.
Have Proper Boat Safety Equipment
The most important pieces of boat safety equipment are PFDS, also known as personal flotation devices or life jackets. Law requires you to have a set number of these based on the size of your boat and the number of passengers.
You should also carry some other basic equipment. These include things such as flares, radios, a cell phone, extra water, and emergency rations. You may need more based on the size of your vessel and the duration of your voyage.
Keep One Eye on the Weather
Things can escalate quickly on any body of water. Weather is often fast-moving and unpredictable.
If you are committed to a voyage on your boat, weather can catch you off-guard and lead to catastrophe. Always check the weather charts.
Use accurate, real-time, weather information from reputable sources. Know your capabilities as a boat operator and never head out for a day of boating out of your comfort zone. When you see bad weather moving in, head back to port.
Know Your Boat
You need to get to know your vessel before taking it on any major trips. This includes knowing what its capabilities are, how to operate it, and what to do if it breaks down.
You also should brush up on what kind of fuel it takes and where to procure it. Click for more information about this essential part of boating.
Enjoy Your Time Boating Safely
Knowing some basic boat safety tips will help you ensure that your outing is a fun one that turns into an amazing memory. Heading out to the water prepared with some boating safety tips will help insulate you from disaster.
Use the information in this guide to help ensure that your boating experience is a safe one. For all your other important information similar to this article, check back with our website again today and click around.
