Recreational boating is a popular activity with about 74 million people taking part each year according to government research. While boating can certainly be a fun activity, it can turn tragic if the right precautions aren’t taken. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were more than 4,100 boating incidents involving 626 deaths in 2015 alone.
Some of those incidents may have been able to be prevented if the proper precautions were taken. Before heading out on the water, keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Have life jackets on board. There should be one S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for every personon board, with a minimum of two life jackets on board. It’s also a good idea to attach a whistle to each life jacket. If someone is stranded they can blow the whistle for help.
- Check the weather. If there is a storm on the horizon, stay docked. Don’t attempt to go out on the water in stormy seas. If you’re out on the water and you notice the clouds getting darker, get back to dry land as soon as possible.
- Take a boating course. No matter how good of a boater you think you are, it doesn’t hurt to take a course to make sure you have all your bases covered. Some states require you to complete at least one boater safety course. Check the regulations where you live.
- Avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol while boating is just as bad as drunk driving. You are more likely to get into a boating accident if you’ve been drinking. Studies have also shown that the sun and wind don’t mix well with an afternoon of drinking on the water.
- File a float plan. Just as pilots have a flight plan, boaters should have a float plan. This should include your itinerary as well as the names, addresses, and phone numbers of everyone on board. This information should be left with a family member or someone at the marina in the event an accident occurs.
By following these safety tips you can keep your time out on the water fun!
When you’re on dry land be sure to keep guests safe around your pool. Installing a pool fence is an easy way to do that. To learn more about installing a pool fence at your home contact Protect-A-Child Pool Fence at 772-398-3400.
