When you travel on vacation, you want to be able to enjoy yourself. Going out on the water and enjoying water sports can be a great way to relax. When traveling on a boat, it’s important to make sure that you stay safe at all times. The following guide walks you through a few tips to use to stay safe when boating.
Bring the Right Safety Gear
Accidents can happen at any time, and being properly prepared could mean the difference between life and death. According to Viles & Beckman, life jackets could have saved 80 percent of boaters who died in boating accidents. Many people make the mistake of assuming that all life jackets are the same, but they aren’t. Life jacket sizes are based on the weight of the people that will be wearing them. Children need smaller life jackets because they are smaller and need to keep them on at all times. This is because children aren’t as strong swimmers as adults and could drown quickly if an accident occurs. It’s a good idea to have flashlights, a flare gun, ropes, and a fire extinguisher on board just in case something happens unexpectedly during your trip.
Don’t Overload the Boat
According to USCG Boating, every boat has a maximum weight limit. If the weight limit is exceeded, the boat could sink or be more likely to capsize. There will be a label on the boat that indicates how much weight it can hold. Even if a boat says that it can hold a certain number of people, if some of the people are heavy, you may need to decrease the number of people you allow on the boat at one time.
Limit Alcohol When Boating
Playing on the water can be relaxing and a lot of fun. Many people choose to drink when they are boating, but according to the BoatUS Foundation, it’s important to limit your alcohol intake when you are on the water. Alcohol can impair your reaction time if something goes wrong. You also want to be able to react quickly if you need to change the direction that you are traveling, if something impedes your path or if something goes wrong. If you do choose to drink, it’s a good idea to make sure that you drink plenty of water and eat regularly. Drink alcohol in small quantities and get into the shade whenever you can. Being out in the sun for extended periods of time can cause you to become dehydrated quickly, which can make the alcohol hit you even harder.
If you don’t know a lot about operating a boat, you may want to hire a professional captain to operate the boat for you. There are also boating courses available that you can take to ensure you are properly prepared for anything that could occur on the boat. Having peace of mind that you are able to handle an emergency situation makes it easier for you to be able to enjoy your day out on the water. Keep a few safety tips in mind, and get ready to have a great time.
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