Safe Boating is Happy Boating! Refresh Your Boating Safety IQ During National Safe Boating Week
The North American Safe Boating Campaign, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, kicks off the weekend before Memorial Day with National Safe Boating Week from May 20-26. Â The year-long effort in the U.S. and Canada focuses on spreading the message of boating safety, responsibility and the importance of always wearing a life jacket while on the water. As summer approaches, other national boating safety events also taking place this week include Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day and Ready, Set, Wear It! Life Jacket World Record Day. Â We encourage you to look into all of these initiatives to learn more. Â
Boating smart is a vital part of any day on the water, regardless of where you are or how much experience you have. Every good captain respects the importance of reviewing boating safety rules with everyone on board before leaving the dock. As you get ready for a fun-filled summer of boating, take a moment to review these 10 basic boating safety tips from Discover Boating. Happy safe boating!
Always check local weather conditions before departing. TV and radio forecasts are a convenient source of information. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by postponing your outing and getting off the water.
2. Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist
Proper boating safety includes being prepared for any possibility on the water. Following a pre-departure checklist is the best way to make sure youâve taken all appropriate precautions for a safe day on the water.
Common sense is the most important tool to keep a day on the water on course. This means operating at a safe speed at all times (especially in crowded areas), staying alert at all times and steering clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn. Also, be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, all of which have been placed there to ensure your safety.
4. Designate an Assistant Skipper
Make sure more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boatâs handling, operations, and general boating safety. If the primary navigator is injured or incapacitated in any way, itâs important to make sure someone else can follow the proper boating safety rules to get everyone else back to shore.
Whether you choose to inform a family member or staff at your local marina, always be sure to let someone else know your float plan. This should include where youâre going and how long youâre going to be gone.
A float plan can include the following information:
name, address, and phone number of trip leader
names and phone numbers of all passengers
boat type and registration information
types of communication and signal equipment onboard, such as an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
6. Make Proper Use of Lifejackets
Did you know that the majority of drownings are the result of boaters not wearing their lifejackets? Make sure that your family and friends understand the danger of not wearing a life jacket and fit each one of them with a jacket before leaving the dock. Then insist that they wear it!
Practice boating safety at all times by saving the alcohol for later. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved and studies have shown that the effects of alcohol are exacerbated by sun and wind. Sober boating is safe boating!
If youâre going to be in and around the water, proper boating safety includes knowing how to swim. Local organizations, such as the American Red Cross and others, offer training for all ages and abilities. Check to see what classes are offered in your area and sign up now.
9. Take a Boating Course
From beginners to seasoned boaters, everyone who takes the helm needs to master the rules of safe operation. Boater education requirements vary by state. Some require validated completion of at least one boating safety course. Regardless of your individual state's requirements, it's always important to be educated and prepared for every circumstance that might arise. You can learn boating safety rules by taking a local community course or online course to help educate yourself and assure the safety of everyone you invite onboard.
10. Consider a Free Vessel Safety Check
Take advantage of a free vessel safety check from the US Coast Guard. They offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. Free of charge, theyâll provide a specialist to check out your boat and make helpful boating safety recommendations. They also offer virtual online safety checks, so thereâs no excuse to ignore this valuable resource. .
FB Marine Group is a family owned and operated business, founded in 1994 by Randy and Kim Sweers. The Sweers have followed their vision to build FB Marine Group into one of Americaâs leading luxury marine dealerships with locations in Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida offering a complete list of services including sales, brokerage, service, financing, parts, transport and dry-storage facilities. Â
Today, FB Marine Group has more than 40 employees, including factory Mercury, Yamaha, Volvo, and Formula trained service technicians and offers a vast array of marine parts and engines. The company also offers complete electronics repair and installation, fiberglass and paint repair and custom engine builds and rigging.
gracieabrams
blakekathryn
sugurugetos
turnnoffyourmind
andulkaphoto
origamiaround
areudirty
gamechangershow
