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Some Basic Guidelines for Boating Safety

April 5, 2016 | Comments Off on Some Basic Guidelines for Boating Safety

Boating with the family is a fun and exciting way to spend time together. Children will remember their boating expeditions with their family for the rest of their life. As fun as boating is, it is important to remember that it has some risks. However, these risks can be minimized by following basic boating safety guidelines.

It is important to check the weather before getting out on the boat. The Internet, the television, and the radio are all good sources of pre-boating information. If while out on the water it becomes apparent that the weather is changing, maybe the clouds are getting dark, the wind becomes volatile, or there is a sudden drop in the temperature, it is best to return back to land.

Safety starts before getting in the boat. This means doing a pre-departure checklist. It is good to be prepared for any eventualities that may happen while in the water. Having a physical checklist guarantees that no safety precautions will be overlooked or forgotten.

Using common sense is one of the most important parts of boating safety. Common sense includes not using tools or equipment that you are not familiar with. For example, if a person has never used a boat lift, they are going to want to consult with someone who has prior to using it. Common sense also extends to being on the water. Operating a boat at high speeds, especially in crowded areas, can lead to disaster. It is better to operate at a moderate speed as this will give the boat enough time to stop, turn, and avoid hitting obstacles. It is good to be aware of navigational aids as well as being respectful of buoys, which have been placed there by government officials to ensure the safety of boaters when they are out on the water.

There should be at least one person on the boat who is familiar with the ins and outs of the boat. This individual is the skipper. They would have the primary responsibility of navigating the boat and avoiding any potential dangers. If something happens on the water and the primary skipper is injured, other passengers on the boat should have a basic familiarity with how the boat works so that they can safely get everyone else back to shore.

Finally, it is a good idea to develop a plan. The plan would include letting other people know the boat’s destination on the water, how long everyone plans to be gone, and at what time they plan to return. Following these basic safety guidelines guarantees that everyone has a fun, enjoyable voyage.