Tips to Keep You Safe in Your Boat

Freedom, exhilaration, the wind and waves – operating a boat can be fun and exciting, but doing so has its risks. Most of these risks however can be avoided by remembering these simple safety tips before you leave the dock:

• Be weather wise. Listen to local or national weather reports before leaving shore.

• Be prepared. Bring a flashlight, clothing and blankets, and a first-aid kit. Remember your sunglasses and sunscreen as well, since the sun’s rays reflecting off the water can cause glare and sunburn.

• Gear up. Every time you go boating, be sure to carry basic safety equipment. Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD), and have one for each person on board. Also make sure you have a throwable personal flotation device in case someone falls overboard.

• Check it out. Check that your boat is running properly before casting off. Your vessel should be in top working condition and free of fire hazards, tripping hazards, and other conditions that could result in injury.

• Load carefully. When loading your boat, keep the load low and evenly distributed. When changing seats in a small boat, stay low and near the center.

• Operate you watercraft safely. Boat ownership is increasing every year, and so are accidents relating to these crafts. It is important that you know how to swim and operate your boat effectively before taking it to the water.