Boating season has arrived as a result of the warm weather. There are precautions every boater must take to prevent hazards on the water, regardless of whether you intend to go offshore or dock at the bottom of a river. To guarantee that everyone on the boat gets back to shore safely, the following boating advice and safety procedures are provided.
Review all boat safety course guidelines, traffic restrictions, and other location-specific regulations before the season starts or if you are new to boating. To prevent accidents or even death, it can be essential to gather and verify such pertinent information. In actuality, 77% of boating fatalities in 2020 took place on boards of boats whose drivers lacked boating safety training.
There are numerous facets of boat ownership that go into getting ready for a day on the water. To determine whether the timing is ideal, check it first. Avoid stepping outside if a storm is predicted that day. Then confirm who will be travelling with you, where you’re going, and when everyone anticipates returning. If something goes wrong and the appropriate authorities need to be notified for help, this information is useful.
Additionally, make sure that all of the safety equipment on board is operational. A first aid kit, flashlight, emergency siren, fire extinguisher, life jackets, and other items may be included with this gear. Everyone in the group must, without exception, wear a life jacket, while we’re on the subject. The most common reason for fatal boating accidents in 2020 is drowning. About 86% of these victims weren’t wearing life jackets.
After doing this task, take care of the boat’s required maintenance. Start by checking for damage or trapped debris on all engine parts, fuel lines, and fins. In 247 of the more than 5,265 accidents that were reported in 2020, at least one person was struck by the propeller.
Operator inattention, a lack of operator experience, insufficient supervision, high speed, and equipment failure are the five main causes of accidents. Alcohol has a significant impact on fatal accident outcomes. Being on the water can make drinking alcohol before and during a boat excursion much more hazardous because it can impair judgement.
In general, it’s crucial to travel safely, so pay attention and plan beforehand. Owners and operators of vessels must pay particular attention from the moment of push-off until the vessel is safely anchored. Make the most of every trip by ensuring that everyone on board wears a life jacket, drinks enough of water, and adheres to boat etiquette as they enjoy the sun and surf.
Read more: The Ultimate Water Sports Guide