There are things in life that simply can’t compare to anything else – boating is one of them. The ultimate experience for lovers of all things water, setting sail, and heading out in the water is undeniably exciting. As with everything in life, safety should come first, so if you were planning on hitting the water this summer season, here are five important boating safety tips to keep in mind.
Check the weather before you set sail
Leaving the dock without checking the weather forecast is one of the mistakes rookie recreational boaters make. The next thing they know, they are caught up by a sudden squall! Don’t let this happen to you – always make sure you check the weather conditions in the area as well as those in your destination. Weather can change quite rapidly, and to remain safe, you want to keep an eye on the water. Suspicious signs such as skies getting darker and winds shifting are indicators that you should get back to shore as soon as possible.
If you’ve just got a recreational boat or plan on buying one, you need to be extra careful as the weather can really sneak up on you when you’re new to boating. Double-check the weather and always bring a radio so you can stay up-to-date.
Start with the safety measures while you’re still ashore
Sailing and boating are definitely hobbies that are worth trying, and if this is your first time hitting the water, you want to make sure you take all the necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip. Start by slathering on sunscreen while you’re still ashore, as well as putting on a sun hat and a lifejacket to keep yourself safe. The clothing you wear also has to be able to withstand elements that can easily change while you’re cruising the sea.
While the weather might be hot when you’re still ashore, once you hit the water, you’ll start to get cold because of the breeze, so be sure to bring several layers of clothing before heading out. The right clothes will also accommodate any changes in weather conditions and make your boat trip much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Make sure that your boat is in great working condition
For an enjoyable boat trip, you want to make sure that your boat is in great condition, and that means tackling any damages and repairs. Accidents happen even on water, and in order to keep your prized watercraft in great working condition, it’s essential that you do everything you can to keep your boat’s surface smooth and resistant.
In case there are scratches, dings, and gouges on the fiberglass hull, you want to turn to pros for a gelcoat repair on a boat to create a protective barrier and deliver a perfectly blended finish. With their industry knowledge, these experts will help maximize the aesthetic appeal of the boat, extend its life, and ensure long-lasting performance while restoring its original beauty. Making sure that your boat is in working properly will also involve checking the boat’s electronic gear, transmission fluid levels, oil engine levels, battery, and fluid levels. A full tank of gas is imperative, so don’t forget to refuel before you set off.
Bring the right safety equipment to ensure a safe boat trip
Aside from ensuring you’ve dressed appropriately, you should also make sure that your boat has all the safety equipment before you hit the water. Heading out for a fun day filled with exciting water activities can easily turn into a disaster if your boat is not properly equipped. Some of the essential items you will need to have with you on the boat for a safe trip are fire extinguishers, flares, a first aid kit, and running lights, extra batteries, maps, as well as a valid registration.
You should also make sure that you follow all the boating rules as well. That means no drinking while operating the vessel, wearing tested lifejackets (especially if you plan on water skiing), and having a boating safety certification or a license. Maintaining your boat is a must if you want to have an enjoyable and comfortable boat trip, so make sure you take preventative steps to ensure you and your guests have a pleasant experience.
File a float plan beforehand
Whether your plan is to have an enjoyable cruise on the wide-open sea or to finally boat a trophy fish and show off your angling skills, you should always make sure that you file a float plan before setting sail. As previously mentioned, accidents happen even on water, and since there are so many things that can go wrong, you want to make sure that you have someone to rely on and help you out should anything unexpected happen.
By leaving a float plan with emergency contacts and details about the boat, safety equipment, and people on board, you’ll make it easier for others to locate you quickly and easily in case you get stuck out there and don’t check-in as you originally planned.
Conclusion
With summer in full swing, many of us are eager to set sail and enjoy those lazy summer afternoons on their boats. Keep these safety tips in mind as you’re preparing for your voyage and you can rest assured it will be a fun, carefree one.
