How to Prevent Boating Accidents

On a boating excursion, you enjoy the sun on your face, the wind in your hair and the spray of water on your skin. Without the proper precautions, however, a fun day on the boat can quickly turn dangerous. Read this article for important boat safety tips.

1. Take a boat safety education course.


2. Require proper seating from your passengers. Do not let anyone sit in an area of the boat not designed for seating. Do not overload the boat past its weight and horsepower limits. Evenly distribute the boat's weight. Without these precautions, the boat can capsize.


3. Wear well fitting Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Choose a life jacket designed for your particular boating activity, for example water skiing or fishing. Select a child's life jacket in a weight range appropriate for the child. A life jacket can help keep you afloat if you are injured, too weak to swim or shocked by cold water.


4. Get a weather report before each boating excursion. With bad weather you risk encountering rough seas, heavy winds and lightning. Different geographical regions experience different kinds of severe weather like hurricanes and tornadoes, so take extra precaution for the specific conditions in your area. File a float plan with a local sporting goods store or leave one with someone at home who will initiate a search if you fail to return as scheduled.


5. Prevent boating collisions by learning and following the rules of navigation. Appoint one passenger as a lookout for other boats, objects or swimmers in the water. Keep a safe speed, look in all directions before turning and use extreme caution when driving into the sun's glare.


6. Prevent onboard fire by properly maintaining your boat's condition. Regularly inspect cables and hoses for signs of wear. Cover walking surfaces with non-slip material. Keep boat safety equipment, like fire extinguishers and first aid kits accessible, up to date and in good working condition.

Remember:

• Wear the safety ignition switch attached to a lanyard on your wrist or neck or clipped to your clothes.
• This article covers basic boating safeguards but is not an all inclusive list. Be sure to consult the recommended resources for comprehensive safety information.
• Do not drink and drive. A significant number of boating fatalities involve intoxicated boaters.