Everyone knows that having a day or two or even a moment in the waters is a worthwhile experience. There is nothing quite like the experience of enjoying the wind and the water with loved ones and friends. But not because you are about to have a fun time with your boat means you will have to take things for granted. No matter what you do, it is imperative that you prioritize the safety of those on board and make it your topmost priority. After all, you do not want a harmless day at the lake to turn into an emergency, right? You have to do more than get your top-quality supplies from sites such as Red Beard Sailing.Here are some safety tips you will have to consider.
Plan Ahead
The first thing you can do is to plan ahead. Doing so will prepare you and your vessel for the adventure you will have for the next couple of days. Another thing you can do is to plan out your rations and food supplies if you plan to stay for a longer duration while on the waters. Also, check that your vessel has all the other emergency tools and items on board.
But it is not only about food and rations. You also need to consider the weather forecast. It is one thing to have a full stack of food and emergency supplies. However, it is also another to check in on the weather status. You might want to reconsider your trip should the weather turn nasty. You might not enjoy the trip once it starts to rain cats and dogs while you are out there. In addition, the unruly weather pattern might cause other emergencies for you and your boat guests.
The best thing you can do once the weather kicks in is to cancel or postpone the trip overall. You can have fun and good times during another day. Better think about everyone’s safety for now.
Add A Boat Safety Kit
Source: coastalsafety.com
You can never really tell when or where an emergency will happen. So it is a must that you add a boat safety kit for your vessel. Here are some essential items to have on board:
Flashlight
You will need something to use to see when things become too dark. A flashlight is also ideal when the power suddenly goes out in your vessel.
Whistle
A whistle is ideal for signaling once something goes awry. So it is a must that you have at least a waterproof one on board.
Fire extinguisher
You can never tell when fire will occur on board. That is why a fire extinguisher can help a lot. Instruct everyone on board to know where these crucial items are located.
Life Jackets
A life jacket is a must for each person on your boat. It does not matter whether they have experience swimming or not. However, it also does not mean that you can simply pick out any life jacket out there. You should make sure that what you pick is approved by the board.
Ropes
Ropes will also come in handy. They are ideal for pulling someone who has fallen onto the waters below. A set of ropes will also be useful for setting your boat on the dock to keep it secure.
First aid Kit
What kind of boat does not have a safety and first aid kit? None. You must have a kit or two on your boat. But it goes more than that. You and someone else on the vessel must have the knowledge on how to use the items that these kits contain.
Never Overload
Source: lifeofsailing.com
While it can be tempting to bring as many people as you want on your boat, we advise you not to do so. It is a wrong move to overload your boat with too many passengers. So no matter what you do, you must follow your boat’s capacity limit. Overloading might unbalance the craft. In addition, you might not have enough supplies to tend to all those who might suffer from injuries and other issues.
Check For Fumes
Another thing you have to prioritize is checking for fumes as you step on your vessel. Once you smell something unfamiliar, we advise you not to turn on the engine. The thing is that carbon monoxide can knock you and your passengers out. It builds around in your boat.
Look At The Water
Looking at the water is akin to gazing at the road while in a car. You have to take note of any changes that occur. It will also go a long way to use your common sense while boating. Never go beyond a safe speed. You should also stay alert at all times.
Follow Anchoring Steps
It is not enough to simply have an anchor. The thing is that the wind might drag your boat. So what you can do is to have at least two anchors.
Source: boatsmarthq.com
Do A Boat Checkup
What you can also do is to have a boat checkup. You can get in touch with a licensed specialist to check your boat. They will investigate and find out if your vessel is in top shape and can hit the waters without issues. They can also let you know what else you will have to do to make sure your boat is up and ready to go.
Take A Boating Course
You also have the option to take a boating course. This aspect informs you with all you need to make sure you and your passengers are as safe as they can get. A boating course is also a nice feature that helps you refresh your skills and knowledge.
Going Ship-Shaped
So now you have what it takes to be safe on the waters. The only thing left to do is to put them into action and take it easy as you boat around. Never forget these, and you will have a darn fine time indeed. Have fun out there!
