Your Safety is Our Number One Priority With These Top 10 Boating Safety Rules!
- Wear a Personal Flotation Device: Have at least one Coast Guard Approved Device per passenger and a minimum of two on board. An additional throwable device is required if the vessel is longer than 16 ft.
- Never Go Boating Under the Influence: The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved, and studies have also shown that the affect of alcohol is intensified by natural stressors like exposure to sun, glare, wind, noise, vibration and motion on the water.
- Keep Fire Extinguishers Handy: Carry at least one fire extinguisher and make sure it is accessible. Make sure you have at least the number required by Coast Guard rules.
- Check the Weather: Always check the weather forecast before boating. Have a radio on board to receive weather updates. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds, or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water.
- Think About Carbon Monoxide: On any powered vessel or auxiliary powered sailboat, or vessels using LPG for cooking or heat, check that all interior spaces are well ventilated before departure. Unlike gasoline, carbon monoxide is odorless, but it’s just as deadly. Be sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm on your vessel.
- Watch the Prop: The average propeller can inflict 160 strikes a second. Never use the drive unit to board a boat! If your boat doesn’t have a ladder, get one.
- Learn to Swim: This may seem like common sense, but if you’re going to be in and around the water, proper boating safety means knowing how to swim. There are many places to take classes. Check in your area.
See the rest of the Top 10 here » or download the Top 10 pdf to find out more information, including where to go to get a Free Vessel Check! |
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Personal Flotation Devices
