Labor Day is FAST APPROACHING and we wanted to give you some tips to both keep you safe, and having fun all weekend long.
1.) Speed Kills
While, typically, there are no special speed zone alerts like you might see on July 4th to control traffic on the water (Always check with your local Coast Guard to be certain), captains should always travel at a safe speed. In boats, a safe speed varies depending on the type of vessel, water conditions, and other boat traffic. It’s much harder to feel how fast you are going on a boat, as opposed to a car because you have a speedometer and things constantly passing you as you go. With all that said, practice caution while out on the water.
2.) Check all of your equipment before you go out on the water
Always make sure safety equipment is ready to use, including fares and the fire extinguisher. Having them on board is only half the battle: They aren’t much use to you and your family if they don’t work.
3.) Always Wear Life Jackets
Having a life jacket onboard and not wearing it is like having a seat belt in your car and now using it. Boaters should ABSOLUTELY NEVER have a plan of putting on their jacket after there is an accident. At that point, it’s too late.Roughly 80% of boating deaths happen to people not wearing a life jacket.
4.) Make a “Float Plan”
Before going out on your boat, write down important information, including what kind of boat you will be on, who will be on it with you, where you will be going, and when you expect to be back (give or take a few hours). This plan should be left with friends or family. If nobody knows you are missing, it’s hard for them to be looking for you, should you be in trouble.
5.) Always Boat Sober
Alcohol is the number 6 cause of death in all boating accidents. If you are going to drink, always designate someone who will not be drinking to operate the boat. I’d also recommend you show your “designated boater” how to put the boat on the trailer when you are done. There are an endless amount of “Fail” videos on YouTube showing you why this is a smart idea. Your passengers and boat will thank you later.
Basically, put safety first, and your fun will fall right in line behind it. Enjoy the water and time with your friends and family. Tag us on FaceBook or Twitter to let us see how your boat is handling the water!