Boating Safety Tips
You bought a boat — great! — and can’t wait to take her out, but do you know what to do once you’re on the water? It’s essential for all boaters, especially first-timers, to prepare for any situation that could occur well before they set foot on their vessel. Use our boating safety checklist to cover all necessary bases and ensure everyone has a fun day out.
Boating Safety Checklist
It’s imperative to take every step to ensure the health and safety of everyone on board. Here are OnlyInboards’ nine boat safety tips:
1. Take a Boating Safety Course
There’s no more comprehensive way to learn about boating safety than with a course before you hit the water. Learn about boat handling, reading the weather and safety protocols. Many classes are sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or offered by state boating agencies. There are courses for boaters of every age and for recreational activities of every type, and online boat safety classes are available for those who can’t attend in person.
2. Book a Vessel Check
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boats be inspected annually. The Vessel Safety Check (VSC) program is free for all boat owners. A certified vessel examiner will come out to determine if your boat is in compliance with the law. If so, you will receive a VSC decal that alerts all boating law enforcement agencies. If your boat fails the inspection, you’ll receive a written report to help you understand what’s missing or needs correction.
3. Share a Float Plan
Even inland, boating can be dangerous. This is why it’s a good idea to create and share a float plan with someone before you leave. A float plan includes every detail of your trip, such as vessel information, people on board, radio frequency, destination, and departure time and place. Once you’re back safe and sound, don’t forget to check in with your friend or family member.
4. Check the Weather Report
Forewarned is forearmed. Check the latest weather forecast before going out on the water, and keep a close eye on changing conditions. Having prior knowledge of potential dangers such as wind, rain, and waves can give you a tactical advantage and help you prioritise boat safety. Weather on the water can shift quickly, affecting your visibility and control of your vessel.
5. Create Pre-Departure Checklist
Boating safety isn’t possible without a pre-departure checklist. Before you leave, ensure that you have all the following boat safety equipment and that it’s in good repair:
Lights - navigation lights and flashlights or electric lamps
Tools - a basic toolbox with spare parts like a fuel filter and light bulbs
Fuel - spare fuel with oil and coolant at good levels
Fire extinguisher - securely-mounted U.S. Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher
First aid kit - dressings, wipes, gloves, tweezers and pain relief
Flotation aids - buoyant cushions, ring buoys and horseshoe buoys
Visual distress signals - flares, orange signal flags or distress lights
Sound-producing devices - whistles, horns or bells that are audible for half a mile
These items should be known and easily accessible to everyone on board, so that you or your passengers can use them in an emergency. So that you don’t forget any equipment, use a boat safety list and stow several copies around your boat for every trip.
6. Wear Life Jackets
Life jackets, or personal flotation devices (PFDs), are basic boat safety equipment. Everyone should wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when in or near the water. You never know when an accident might happen, and even good swimmers can be overwhelmed in strong currents; a life jacket can keep you afloat until help arrives. You need at least one life jacket per passenger, and at least two on board in total.
7. Supervise Children
Even if they’re wearing life jackets, children should be actively supervised at all times while out on a boat. Never assume that someone else is watching them, but take turns with other adults. For boating safety, it would also be a good idea to teach children that swimming in open water is different to swimming in a pool due to uneven surfaces, currents and changing weather.
8. Avoid Alcohol
To be a boating safety pro, you can’t drink and boat. Alcohol impairs your judgement, coordination and reaction time, all of which are necessary to navigate unpredictable water conditions and drive your boat safely. Boating Under the Influence (BUI) convictions can lead to hefty fines and jail time, and you might also find your vessel impounded. To keep yourself, your passengers and other nearby boaters safe, save the beer for the beach.
9. Stow Food Waste
Never throw trash overboard. While biodegradable, food doesn’t decompose quickly in water and can harm the local ecosystem. If you’re caught compromising the environment and sanitation like this, you could face legal consequences. Instead, keep your waste with you until you reach the shore, where you can properly dispose of any leftover food and keep waterways clean.
Remember These Boat Safety Tips
Those were our top boating safety tips to remember to enjoy your inboard to the max while taking care of yourself and your passengers. After all, there’s nothing like an accident to ruin a vacation. But by following these precautions, you can relax and enjoy the ride! For more information about inboard dealers and boating emergencies, visit our blog or contact us.