The basic safety guide for boaters

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Hobbies )



Boaters know the feeling. There's nothing like the wind in your hair, the sun on your face and that exhilarating sense of freedom and excitement. Whether with your spouse on a lazy river ride, with your parents on a fishing trip, teaching your child how to sail or just simply enjoying the scenery, there's nothing quite like boating.

Boating is one of the most popular forms of wholesome, family recreation and fun. More and more people are discovering the pleasure of boating and even more people join the growing number of boaters who indulge in boating as a pastime.

Surprisingly, most boating fatalities happen from anchored boats and to boaters who hunt or fish and fall off small boats. Here are some basic safety tips boaters should keep in mind.

• Be conscious of the weather. Beware of wind changes, flashes of lighting and choppy water. Always check weather reports and bring a portable radio before venturing outdoors.
• Bring emergency gear. Extra batteries, flashlights, matches, flares, a map of where you are and sunglasses. Place these in a water resistant pouch or container that floats.
• Take a boat safety course. You will learn distress signals and how to board and load your boat, amongst other things. A boat safety course may also entitle you to lower boat insurance costs.
• Leave important information as to where you will go, who you will be with and how long you will be away.
• Stay warm and dry. Bring rainproof gear and covering and wear multiple layers of light clothing.
• Bring or better yet, wear a personal floatation device or life jacket. This is especially important for non-swimmers and children.

For boaters planning to purchase a boat or invest in a boating business, you also need to be equipped with the necessary safety knowledge and permits. You will need to pass the boaters exam or boaters test. After you have passed your boaters exam and have received your Certificate of Completion, you are now eligible for the boaters license. This will arrive in the mail about 3-5 weeks after you have paid. Boating accidents occur annually and even boats are reported stolen. When the waves get rough, boaters should not rely solely on the life jacket for protection. This is where the boaters insurance comes in. Most boaters insurance provide protection within a certain mile radius and help protect your boat and equipment up to policy limits.

Statistics show that each year, recreational boating accidents cost property damage, injury and loss of lives to many people. It was also discovered that most of these boating accidents were preventable. As responsible boaters, passengers or concerned individuals, it is your responsibility to help prevent accidents. You can make a difference by keeping these important safety measures in mind.


All rights Reserved © Tradenet Services srl
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.