Whether you boat for work or for fun, safety should be an important part of your boating routines. There are many potential hazards on a boat, and the more you can prepare for, the better off you’ll be if an accident happens. Since we want our customers to stay safe, we here at RVs and Boats for Less designed this short guide to share some of the tips we’ve found most valuable. Stop by our Pocatello, Idaho dealership and showroom when you’re ready to take a look at our full supply of boats. We’re located near Salt Lake City and Logan, Utah, and we’re known for our excellent customer service and great prices.
Preparing for Safe Boating
Boat safety starts before you ever get in your boat, before you launch it at the ramp and before you even tow your boat to the water. Preparation is absolutely crucial for anyone who wants to avoid serious accidents. Checking the weather is one of the most basic but important steps you can take. Remember that while rain may be annoying, heavy winds can be much more dangerous when boating. Heavy winds create bigger surf which is much more dangerous than a little rain. Make sure you also check the weather forecast for big changes in barometric pressure in the area which can bring in storms in a flash. You don’t have to be a weatherperson, but you should get a good idea if there’s any chance of extreme weather conditions moving in on you.
Once you’ve checked the weather and feel confident about the conditions, check out your boat and make sure it’s in working order. If you put your boat away correctly after your last trip, you shouldn’t have to worry about things like hull damage having taken place since you last looked, but it’s worth giving the hull a visual inspection anyway. Check out the engine and make sure the fluid levels are in order. Then, go through your safety equipment checklist to make sure everything is in order.
Must-Have Safety Equipment
Every boat should be equipped with a few basic pieces of safety equipment. Anytime you have an internal combustion engine, you should have a fire extinguisher. Depending on how large your boat is, you might want to have multiple fire extinguishers that are meant for putting out different types of fires. In addition to fire extinguishers, you should also keep a fully stocked first aid kit with products for treating wounds, anti-nausea medicines, anti-inflammatory drugs, and a cold compress. If you’re using your boat in the deep ocean or in a very large lake in which you won’t always be able to swim to shore, consider investing in a small survival kit. This should have things like an emergency fire starter, space blankets, and a survival knife. Finally, and most importantly, every passenger on the boat should have their own fitted life jacket.
Staying Safe on the Water
So how do you actually stay safe on the water? As is the case with driving a car, you should always obey all postings in terms of speed and wake restrictions. Never boat while drunk, either. Not only can you end up in serious trouble with the police, it’s also just extremely dangerous for you and your passengers. Being cognizant of other boaters is a major part of boating safety. Try not to boat too close to other boaters, especially those who are fishing, wakeboarding or waterskiing, or swimming. If a boat has a swimmer in the water, make sure to give them plenty of room and slow way down as you pass. Finally, make sure you always stay within your limits. Sometimes this will mean slowing the boat down on days when the waters a little choppier so that you don’t make a mistake while steering. Sometimes this will mean pulling up the fishing lines even when the fishing is good because you see a storm brewing and know it could move in on you at any moment. Trending towards more caution is always a good choice when boating.
In the market for a new boat? Stop by RVs and Boats for Less. Here at RVs and Boats for Less, we have a large supply of top boats from some of the industry’s most respected manufacturers. Give us a call today or stop by our Pocatello, Idaho dealership and showroom. We proudly serve the areas of Salt Lake City, Logan, Utah, as well as Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls, Idaho.
