Everyone loves recreational boating. It’s a pastime that the whole family enjoys. However, an evening of fun can turn tragic quite fast if you don’t take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and those onboard.
One thing we would like to mention at the start is that you should always wear life jackets. No matter how wavy the sea might get, a life jacket will ensure that even if you are thrown overboard, you will float while unconscious. Moreover, if you don’t know how to swim, this accessory will help you survive until help arrives. Make sure to choose a lifejacket based on where you plan to sail.
Before heading out on the water, tune into the weather forecast to know if there are any predictions of thunderstorms or strong winds. Better be prepared than be sorry later!
Let’s look at some other boating protection tips:
Never Drink and Boat
It is strictly prohibited to drink and drive. The same rules apply to boating. Alcohol might dull your senses, which can lead to a fatal accident. So, we suggest that you leave the dry land in control of your motor skills and keep it that way until you disembark.
Put Down Your Cell Phone
Cell phones are another contributing factor to fatal boating accidents. All it takes is a little distraction, and you might crash into an oncoming boat, putting your life and your passengers’ lives in danger. So, put your cell phone on silent and pay attention to the water.
Have a First-Aid Kit on Board
Keeping a first-aid kit on your boat is as important as keeping one at home. It has all the essentials you need to take care of an injury. Here are some of the basic first-aid kit items:
- Plaster is different sizes
- Sterile gauze dressings
- Crêpe rolled bandages
- Triangular bandages
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Safety pins
- Sticky tape
- Thermometer
- Disposable sterile gloves
- Skin rash cream
- Antiseptic cream
- Antihistamine cream
- Eyewash
- Painkillers
- Distilled water
Have a Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that combustion engines emit. This gas is poisonous and can kill you in a matter of minutes. If you are planning a boating weekend, have a carbon monoxide detector with you onboard to check the intoxication level.
File Your Float Plan
Do you have a backup plan if you get lost in the sea? The US Coast Guard recommends that you notify a family member or friend about your float plan so they can contact the proper officials if they don’t hear back from you according to the check-in schedule.
Keep these tips in mind when planning for your boating trip. Do a thorough maintenance check on your boat before taking it out. For its safety, consider installing a dock.
Visit the website EZ Dock and browse their products section for floating docks or do-it-yourself docks. They even offer dock floats and other accessories to modify your fixed dock. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
