Safety Boating Tips

By: Steven Schwartzapfel

Taking the boat out for a spin on the water is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the summertime, as long as safety is applied. Before putting to sea, follow these 8 safety boating tips:

Boating Safety Tip # 1

Take a boating safety course. The lessons will provide a foundation of operational and safety instruction. Most of the courses can be taken online. Boatsafe.com offers an online basic boating certification course and a coastal navigation course.

Boating Safety Tip # 2

Always wear your life vest and make sure there is the appropriate number of life vests on the boat for each passenger to wear.

Boating Safety Tip # 3

Check the condition of the boat and its equipment. Ensure the engine is well maintained and there are the proper number of life jackets on board.

Boating Safety Tip # 4

Know the waters and obtain relevant charts and tide tables. Always be conscious of shallow water and sandbars.

Boating Safety Tip # 5

Become a member of Sea Tow by going to https://www.seatow.com/. Sea Tow is an international marine assistance provider that gives great help when stuck on the water.

Boating Safety Tip # 6

Check the weather forecast by either listening to the local forecast or by checking the latest marine forecast.

Boating Safety Tip # 7

Do not overload the boat. Too much weight on the boat will make it unstable causing the boat to possibly tip over.

Boating Safety Tip # 8Never consume alcohol while driving a boat. Boating under the Influence (BUI) is just as deadly as drinking and driving. The U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division reports that the use of alcohol is involved in approximately a third of all recreational boating fatalities. Every boater needs to understand the risks of boating under the influence of alcohol, and that the penalties for BUI can include large fines and serious jail time. U.S. Coast Guard data shows that alcohol is even more dangerous on the water than on land. The engine noise, sun, wind and ocean spray heightens impairment causing affects in vision and judgment.

Boat accidents are far too common in the summertime. Boat smart and be safe on the water this summer.