Boat Safety Overview

For land mammals, we humans sure love our time on the water. People migrate to northern lakes in the summer, and southern beaches in the winter. Any time of year, a vacation just isn't the same without spending some time on the water.

Boating provides fun and exhilarating sport, and it can be a relaxing hobby. Whether you're speeding along with the surf slapping wildly at the helm, or floating lazily on an inflatable raft, the water provides a beautiful and fascinating place to set yourself free. Water can be fun, and relaxing, but it also commands your utmost respect. Water sports can be extremely dangerous, and practicing boat safety is paramount.

Stay Afloat

All smart boaters prepare themselves for the unexpected. Weather can quickly turn ugly, causing high waves and blinding precipitation. Collisions and capsizes have brought countless boating trips to abrupt ends, even for the most experience boaters. Don't think that you're invincible. Everyone on the boat, even strong swimmers, must wear a floatation device. Small and young children are particularly at risk or injury or drowning. It's not just a smart thing to do; in many places, everyone in a boat is required by law to wear a personal floatation device.

Learn About Safety

Whether you're a nautical novice or an experience boater, it's a good idea to take a boating safety course. Free courses are available in many areas, and lessons can be completed in just a day or two. Sign yourself up, and your entire family. No child is too young to appreciate the dangers of the water, and learn how to stay safe. Check online if you have trouble finding a boating course. The Internet can be the best way to find information on available programs.

Keep Booze off the Boat

Drinking and boating is every bit as dangerous, and just as illegal, as drinking and driving. You're taking the lives of others in your hands when you're operating any type of watercraft, and you need to stay alert at all times. Alcohol, drugs and even certain prescription medications will dull your reflexes and impair your judgment. In most areas, the waterways are governed by the same impairment laws that are imposed upon automobile drivers.

Use Common Sense

Boat safety is based on sensibility. Know your limits, and make sure you're able to make smart, split-second decisions. Know what to do if another boat suddenly veers toward you, or if your buddy bails off of his water skis and slips from your line of sight. When you're on the water, you may be called upon to make sound judgment calls. Understand your options in any given situation, and know how to take the best ones.

Respect Rules

Respect is as important on the water as it is on the highway. Be cautious of other boaters, and respect their right to share the waters. Make sure that other boaters can see you, particularly at night. Maintain the water speed limit and follow the existing rules of the waterway. Have respect for your passengers, and yourself, as well. Showing off on the water won't impress anyone.

Maintain Your Boat

A well-maintained boat is a safe boat. Know how to maintain your boat and fix it in the event of breakdown or collision on the water. Check the boat and motor often to ensure that everything is in good working order. Keep a maintenance record of your boat, just as you do for your car.

From relaxing evenings trolling for bass to exhilarating afternoons of extreme water skiing, nothing beats a day on the water. Safety is always most important, so always make it your first priority.

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