Every summer, people break free from their homes to go out and have adventures. Some people like to hike and camp while others enjoy rock climbing and swimming.- Boat Safety Tips
If you and your family enjoy summer boating, you’re not alone. Studies show that 26% of Americans go out boating at least once during the summer.
However, boating can be dangerous. Hundreds of people die and are injured each year. We don’t want you to experience any tragedies on the water.
Whether you’re new to batting this year or are just looking for a boat safety refresher, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for a quick guide to boating safety.
Make Sure Every Person Has a Life Jacket
One of the most common (and heavily enforced) boat safety rules is to provide a life jacket for everyone on board. If there are going to be children riding along, they need to have child-sized life jackets. They will slip out of adult life jackets too easily.
These life jackets don’t need to be worn the entire time. Find out more about life jacket laws in areas you intend to go boating in.
Carry Paddles On Board
Emergency paddles are one of the most important boat safety equipment items. If you have engine trouble or run out of gas on the water, you must have a to bring your boat back to the shore. There’s nothing worse than being stranded out on the water with no way to row back or call for help.
Pay Attention to What’s in Front of You
A lot of people enjoy summer boating with kids. This means there are going to be people swimming in the water, inner-tubing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and more.
While driving your boat, keep an eye on the path ahead. It doesn’t matter how slow you’re traveling, you should never leave the wheel or allow yourself to become distracted.
Don’t Drink While Operating Your Boat
If you didn’t already know, drinking while boating is illegal in all 50 states. Violating this law will result in hefty fines and penalties.
But more importantly, boating while under the influence could lead to devastating consequences. You could wreck your boat, run into another vessel, or injure someone.
Don’t Forget Important Supplies
Finally, one of the most important boat safety rules is to make sure you have everything you need onboard before launching into the open water. We already talked about paddles, life jackets, and other boat safety equipment.
However, you should also get a GPS tracker if you’re heading out into a large body of water. It can help you navigate if you get lost. You can find a solar-charged GPS tracker at linxup.com.
You also need to think about your personal needs while out on the water. For example, bring sunscreen to prevent anyone from getting burned. You should also bring plenty of food and water, which will come in handy if you’re out on the water longer than you expected to be.
Are You Making Boat Safety a Top Priority?
If you’re planning some summer boating trips this year, make sure you follow the boat safety tips listed above. Then, you can enjoy your time on the water with friends and family in peace.
For more summer adventure ideas, safety tips, or lifestyle advice, stick around and browse through some of our other articles. Our blog was created to be a source of reliable information for people like you.
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