The sun is out and temperatures are perfect for one of summer’s best leisure activities, boating. Whether you enjoy swimming, skiing, fishing, or tubing there is no doubt that boating can be a fun activity for the whole family. However, before going out on the water it is important to make sure you’ve taken the proper precautions to keep everyone in your vessel safe. So, whether you own your own boat or rent a boat from time to time, this article is for you.
First, let’s discuss why it matters. According to the U.S. Coast Guard there were 3,844 boating accidents and 564 boating fatalities nationwide in 2023. Boating is a wonderful way to make memories with friends and family, but unfortunately, tragedy can strike, especially when proper safety measures are not taken. So, here are 9 safety tips to keep in mind the next time you go out on the water.
1. Don’t drink alcohol while operating the boat.
– Alcohol consumption continues to be the leading contributing factor in fatal boat crashes, accounting for 16% of total fatalities.
2. Make sure all passengers wear life jackets that fit properly, and have the proper safety equipment on board for emergencies.
– Studies show that victims drowned in approximately 75% of fatal boating accidents. Of those, 85% were not wearing a life jacket.
3. Take a boating safety course.
– 74% of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had not received boating safety education. For your convenience, there are safety classes offered online.
4. Check weather conditions before setting out in your boat.
– Weather conditions can change quickly. Always check the weather forecast before going out on the water.
5. Maintain a safe speed and distance between other boats.
– According to the study, another major contributing factor to boat crashes was excessive speed.
6. Know your boats capacity restrictions and don’t overload your boat.
– This information can be found on the capacity plate located near the steering area or the helm of your boat. It will show the maximum number of adults and gross load your boat can handle.
7. Put the cell phone away.
– Another leading cause of boat crashes is inattention. So, put the phone away and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
8. Get a free vessel safety check.
– The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers vessel safety checks at no cost to you. There is no penalty for failing an inspection. Instead, a report is given to explain how to correct any discrepancies.
9. Protect yourself and your boat with boat insurance.
– Even the most cautious boaters can be involved in an accident. Last year alone, the Coast Guard estimated property damage from boating accidents totaled $63 million.
Keep these safety tips in mind when you go out on your next boating adventure! Although boat insurance is not required in most states, it is an inexpensive way to protect you and your assets if you are involved in an accident on the water.