Buying a boat is exhilarating, but many are
unsure of exactly what they should expect. In addition to hauling the boat, or
finding a place to dock it, there are a wide variety of safety tips that
everyone should understand. Here is a checklist of guidelines every new boater
should keep in mind before they ever get their boat into the water.
Boating Safety Courses
Recent studies by the Coast Guard
show that 86 percent of all boating accidents happen to boaters that have not
taken a boating safety course. These courses are typically offered by a variety
of organizations and will help the pilot learn all of the most important safety
steps on their boat ranging from proper flag usage, to ferrying. Be sure to get
all the documentation and licensing done well before hitting the water. It also
never hurts to get insurance quotes from Ontario to be sure you aren't
overpaying for registration or insurance.
Checking the Weather
Few boaters actually take a close look at
what weather they can expect on their trip. Many tend to see that it will be
warm, or the sun will be out, and fail to look at other signs that boating
could be dangerous. High winds are especially common on larger lakes and could
lead to major accidents if not taken into consideration.
Make Life Jackets Mandatory
It is important for every single boat owner
to thoroughly insure their vehicle and their passengers, but making life
jackets absolutely mandatory is a great way to prevent many of the most common
accidents and injuries before they take place. While not every single passenger
is required to wear a life jacket by law, making this a general rule can help a
boater avoid injuries.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Even boating enthusiasts that utilize the
services of a dedicated mechanic should still know the ins and outs of their
boat, especially when it comes to safety features. This includes many of the
emergency features of their boat,such as using the bilge pump, and understanding how to detect when gas vapors and leaks.
Filing a Float Plan
According to the Cowan insurance group, filing a float plan
is one of the easiest ways to add an extra layer of security when taking a
boating trip. A float plan is nothing more than a list of when the boat is
shoving off, where they plan to go, and when they will return. This plan can
then be given to family and friends beforehand so they can notify authorities
if something goes wrong.
Boating is a popular and exciting pastime,
but it also comes with quite a few unique risks. Taking the time to understand
basic boat safety will ensure that new boat owners will enjoy their watercraft
for years to come.
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