Safety and boats is something that everyone who takes part in water activities should know about. Even if you are not operating the vessel, whether it is large or small, you should be aware of the precautions you should take while in the vessel, as well as what you should do in case of emergency. If you are introducing your family to watercraft, make sure you educate them on boating safety before they go out on the water.
The safety item at the top of any boating safety list of equipment is having a properly fitting life vest for each person in the boat. On smaller boats, you should be wearing your life jacket at all times. This is because there is very little chance that you will have time to put on a life jacket in the event of an accident. A large percentage of boating accidents are due to capsizing, and of the fatalities resulting from capsizing, over 80% are not wearing a life jacket. On larger boats, it is not necessary to wear your life jacket at all times, but make sure you know where to find one in the case of emergency.
Alcohol and boats are like alcohol and motor vehicles - they never mix. It is important never to operate a watercraft under the influence of alcohol. Not only is it illegal, it is extremely risky. The number one cause of boating accident deaths in California is alcohol.
Another extremely important aspect to watercraft safety is to set out a plan. Tell someone you trust and who intends to stay on shore of your plan. Set a departure time and a return time. Tell your friend of your intended route. Put the details in writing and try to stick to the plan as much as possible. If your friend notices that you are late arriving back home, then he or she can contact the authorities and advise them of where you might be.
There are a number of safety items that you are legally required by the coastguard to carry with you on your boat. For the exact list for your particular type and size of boat, contact your local coast guard or search their website. At a minimum, boats are required to have one pfd per passenger, a sound making device, a bailing device, and a light. This is not a complete list, so make sure you check for your type of boat and outfit it with the required safety and emergency kit.
Boating is an activity that many people enjoy as a major part of their summer vacation or leisure time. Make sure that you keep yourself and your friends and family safe by following all the boating safety rules and tips, and educating your children early on the rules and procedures for keeping safe while enjoying boating.
The safety item at the top of any boating safety list of equipment is having a properly fitting life vest for each person in the boat. On smaller boats, you should be wearing your life jacket at all times. This is because there is very little chance that you will have time to put on a life jacket in the event of an accident. A large percentage of boating accidents are due to capsizing, and of the fatalities resulting from capsizing, over 80% are not wearing a life jacket. On larger boats, it is not necessary to wear your life jacket at all times, but make sure you know where to find one in the case of emergency.
Alcohol and boats are like alcohol and motor vehicles - they never mix. It is important never to operate a watercraft under the influence of alcohol. Not only is it illegal, it is extremely risky. The number one cause of boating accident deaths in California is alcohol.
Another extremely important aspect to watercraft safety is to set out a plan. Tell someone you trust and who intends to stay on shore of your plan. Set a departure time and a return time. Tell your friend of your intended route. Put the details in writing and try to stick to the plan as much as possible. If your friend notices that you are late arriving back home, then he or she can contact the authorities and advise them of where you might be.
There are a number of safety items that you are legally required by the coastguard to carry with you on your boat. For the exact list for your particular type and size of boat, contact your local coast guard or search their website. At a minimum, boats are required to have one pfd per passenger, a sound making device, a bailing device, and a light. This is not a complete list, so make sure you check for your type of boat and outfit it with the required safety and emergency kit.
Boating is an activity that many people enjoy as a major part of their summer vacation or leisure time. Make sure that you keep yourself and your friends and family safe by following all the boating safety rules and tips, and educating your children early on the rules and procedures for keeping safe while enjoying boating.
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