A great way to spend a lazy weekend with your family is taking the boat out on the lake. You have had plenty of Sunday BBQs so, why not be on the water this summer? Imagine the warm sunshine on your face, the wind in your hair, and a cool spray that refreshes your skin – this is what boating is all about. Let’s not forget recreational activities like swimming, fishing, water skiing, and tubing.
Before you grab your swimsuit, there are a few safety preparations you need to make. According to the Coast Guard, around 4,000 boating accidents in 2019 caused 2,500 injuries and more than 600 deaths. The accidents caused property damage, which amounted to $55 million.
Following are five safe boating tips that will protect you on the water:
Tip #1 Be Prepared With Your Boat Safety Kit
An emergency can happen at any time. Hence, you need to be prepared in advance with a safety kit. Here’s what you should include in the kit:
- Life Jackets
- Whistle
- Flares
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlight
- Bucket
- Duct Tape
- Ropes
- Garbage Bags
- Mirror
- Fire Extinguisher
Tip #2 Wear the Right Type of Life Jacket
- I PFDs: Off-shore life jackets ensure that an unconscious wearer faces up. This life jacket is best for rough and open waters.
- II PFDs: Near-shore buoyancy vests are for inland, calm water.
- III PFDs: Floatation aids are for inland, calm water.
- IV PFDs: Allow the person to stay afloat until rescue arrives.
- V PFDs: A category that contains a variety of life jackets, such as hybrid PDFs, inflatable vests, work vests, deck suits, and boardsailing vests.
Tip #3 Do Not Consume Alcohol Before and During Your Trip
Alcohol can dull your senses, and if you are the designated captain, an improper judgment can lead to a capsized boat.
Tip #4 Find Out the Weather Forecast
Sunny and warm days are great for boating. Choppy water and gusts of wind are signs that a storm is approaching. Winter is not the time to be boating, and even in spring, water can have unpredictable waves that cause difficulty in navigation. Before you get stuck in this kind of situation, the best thing to do is check out the weather forecast.
Tip #5 Put Down Your Phone
Just like they say, “Don’t text and drive,” the same stands for boating. Anything that diverts your attention to the water can cause an accident. You might crash into another boat or go into a direction where the wind is strong.
One of the biggest reasons boating accidents happen is operator error. Hence, you need to take a boating course if you haven’t captained a boat for a while. Driving a boat without a license is illegal so, we suggest that you get the proper education before putting your hands on the wheel.
If you are looking for quality boat docks, visit the website Nor Col EZ Dock. The company offers different types of plastic docs in Ontario and docking accessories such as gangways, anchors, railing, etc. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
