Did you know that more than 5,200 boating accidents occurred in the United States in 2020?
As more people are hitting the water, there is some boating advice that you might be missing out on.
If you want to enjoy boating trips and not have them filled with panic, you need to get prepared, aside from just waxing the boat.
Keep reading to learn important boating safety tips that will keep you and your family afloat throughout the season!
Research the Rules
One of the most important boating safety tips to follow is to research the rules.
Passing other boats on the right is a basic piece of boating advice. You will also need to understand what areas you must idle in and where you need to turn off the engine. Pay attention to buoys so that you don’t enter an unrestricted area and avoid crossing borders.
Understanding the rules will prevent you from getting your boating license taken away or getting into an accident.
Stock Your Boat with Life Vests
The next step to boating safely is to stock the boat with enough life vests for each person.
Make sure that you get the right sizes for each person, otherwise, they could slip through and become ineffective. It is also helpful to include floats and ropes in case you need to pull someone from the water.
Let each person aboard the boat know where the life vests are located so that no one is left stranded.
Get a Radio
Getting a walkie-talkie or 2-way radio is beneficial on the boat in case your engine died or you get stuck somewhere.
Keep a waterproof paper nearby will emergency numbers to contact if there were to be an accident. Anyone that gets on the boat should know where the radio is so that they can call for help if necessary.
Maintain Your Boat
If your boat isn’t in a safe condition, it shouldn’t get put in the water.
When damage occurs to the interior and exterior of the boat, it creates weak spots. Weather and waves often hit these weak spots and cause major damage. At the middle and end of the boating season, check your boat to ensure that leaks and damage won’t be an issue.
If you don’t have the time or resources to buy a boat, Freedom Boat Club can rent them to you! Renting a boat comes with all of the fun and sunshine and no maintenance work.
Boating Safety Rules You Can’t Forget
No matter how experienced you are, boating safety should never get taken lightly.
Being out on the open water means that you need to get prepared for the unpredictable. Knowing basic boating safety tips and getting life vests can help in times of concern, but you should always keep a 2-way radio nearby.
Don’t forget to remain calm when issues arise on the water, panic could worsen the situation.
Be sure to check out our page for more articles about boating for beginners and making the most of your summer!
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