Boating can be enjoyable for people of all ages. It’s a great way to cool down, appreciate nature, and spend time with family and friends. However, there are risks that come with boating, as potential dangers await those who act unsafely or unwisely.
Fortunately, you can minimize the chances of accidents and other incidents on boats and water this season by following some basic tips.
Wear a Life Jacket
This is a rule you should never compromise. Everyone on your boat—no matter how old, how experienced, or how skilled on the water—must wear a life jacket. This safety measure saves lives. In fact, according to the U.S. coast guard, 81% of all boating deaths in 2021 were drownings. Of those, 83% of the victims were not wearing life jackets.
Boaters should wear life jackets anytime they are on a motorized or non-motorized boat, even if they are capable swimmers. Make sure you and the members of your party are wearing them correctly and that the life jackets are in good condition.
Don’t Drink and Boat
Everyone should know the importance of not drinking and driving an automobile. The same is true with boating. If you are having drinks on your boating excursion, you should not be the one operating the boat. Alcohol will affect your judgment, vision, and balance while you drive a boat, just as it would if you were behind the wheel of a car.
Don’t Boat During Poor Weather
Any experienced boater should know that when a storm rolls in, it’s time to get off the water. Never go boating when storm clouds gather, if winds pick up excessively, or if the temperature drops suddenly or rapidly. Water can become unpredictable during such weather, posing threats to your safety and that of others.
Take a Safety Course First
Before you hit the water on your boat, take a class on boating safety. Boating can be fun, but it’s not an activity you should take lightly. You need to feel comfortable and confident while in control of your boat. You also should understand the rules of boating, along with local and state boating laws.
Bring a First Aid Kit
A first aid kit can come in handy during a boating trip. Your kit should contain bandages and gauze pads of various sizes, antiseptic wipes or creams, disposable gloves, tweezers, tape, and
painkillers such as ibuprofen. You should also have other emergency items such as extra flotation devices, a fire extinguisher, and a sound signaling device.
Use Sunscreen
Don’t underestimate the importance of using sunscreen. Though getting a sunburn may seem minor compared to other issues that could arise while you are boating, overexposure can bring serious consequences.
Make sure you use sunscreen with the right SPF level and one that is waterproof. Liberally apply it, and make sure you put it on any part of your body exposed to the sun. You may also have to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours, especially if you’ve been sweating.
The Bottom Line
If you’re an avid boater, now is a good time to review these safety tips. If you have become lax with these rules in the past, commit to following them more diligently. For people who are just getting into boating, understand that following these guidelines can help you prevent injuries and even death. By adhering to these tips, you can have a more enjoyable, safer time on your boat this season.
If you experience problems on the water due to no fault of your own and you need legal advice, call the team at Friedman Law at 402-476-1093.