Tips for Boat Safety

A boat can be a great asset that lets you enjoy time on the water in a way that is not possible on a beach or dock. It gives you the freedom to go nearly anywhere along the waterways. A boat is also a vehicle that comes with certain risks. You should know about a few important tips for boat safety.

• Get everyone into lifejackets: The first tip is to get everyone on the boat into lifejackets before leaving. A lifejacket is the primary safety device on a boat. It can stop someone from drowning in turbulent waters. They also make people who are in the water more visible from a distance. A lifejacket can make a real difference if an emergency occurs. Each person should wear one.
• Know exactly what weather to expect: Spend time looking at the weather for the entire day. Check multiple weather reports to see what meteorologists are saying. You want to know exactly what weather to expect once you get on the water. If the weather looks bad, then reschedule the outing for another day. Once you are on the boat, continually monitor the sky looking for changes that could cause trouble.
• Have a backup captain on the boat: One good idea for maximum boat safety is to have a backup captain present. This could be a family member or a friend. The person must know how to operate the boat. A backup captain or skipper can take control of the boat in case an emergency happens that makes you unable to function normally. This will ensure that everyone can get back to shore in an emergency.
• Plan a route in advance: A final tip for boat safety is to plan a route in advance. You do not want to explore new areas without knowing what you are getting into. You could easily hit shallow waters or other underwater obstacles. This can disable your boat while it is in the water. Study a map and plan a route carefully to keep everyone safe.

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