Boat Safety Tips
Out on the water with all the sun you could ever need, it’s almost impossible not to have fun on a boat. But if you don’t end up having fun, there’s a good chance it’s because something went wrong due to a lack of safety preparedness and awareness. So how do you avoid making an easy mistake and make sure you have great parties on your boat? This short guide will show you how.
Don’t Let the Party Get Out of Control
Boats are just natural locations for a party. With big, open decks, booming sound systems, and plenty of room to lounge around, they’re the perfect party vessel. But there’s always the potential for an accident. If you want to stay safe on your boat, it’s important to not let the party get out of control.
First of all, keep the headcount to a strict limit. Everyone likes a good party, and people are bound to want to join a hoppin’ shindig. But it’s important to not put too many people on your boat. The more weight you have, the more top-heavy the boat will be. A hard turn or a heavy wave could put you in trouble.
On top of worries about capsizing, there’s also the very simple fact that larger groups are harder to control. The more people you have, the crazier the party will get, and the more likelihood there is of someone doing something ill-advised. This is especially true for things like college spring break trips and bachelor parties where alcohol might be present. The difference between five or six people partying and 25 people partying in terms of the potential for an accident is significant.
Load Up With Safety Equipment
The more seriously you take safety, the more safety equipment you’ll start to collect. One of the best places to start for boat safety is by purchasing lifejackets. Every passenger on the boat should have a fitting life jacket, and these should be worn at least whenever the boat is in motion. Children should always wear life jackets, even when the boat isn’t in motion. Even if they are strong swimmers, it can’t be difficult to get back into a boat, especially if they end up in the water and start panicking.
In addition to lifejackets, fire extinguishers are also extremely important. The engine is always a fire risk on any boat, after all.
An emergency preparedness kit can come in handy during an accident. Stock yours with an emergency radio, flares, a GPS, space blankets, and a first aid kit. All of these things can fit into a small amount of space, so there’s really no reason to not bring it along.
Stay Away From Heavy Surf & Bad Weather
Weather conditions can play a major role in any boating trip. Make sure to always check the weather report before heading out for the day. If there’s any chance of lightning, heavy winds, torrential rains, or other potentially dangerous weather conditions, postpone your trip till a later date. It’s not worth dealing with potentially life-threatening conditions just for a few hours of fun.
Things can change quickly out on the water, so if you notice a big storm rolling in, start heading back for the shore. Quick reactions can make the difference between a safe return and a catastrophe.
If you’re in the market for a boat, check out the selection at Boat Masters Marine. Our dealership is based in Akron, Ohio, and we also serve those in Youngstown and Cleveland.