Boating can be one of the most exciting things you can do with a family or group. Spending a day together on the water is a wonderful way to bond with your family or catch up with friends. However, no matter how much experience you may have, sometimes things can go wrong. So you should be prepared for unexpected. Take precautions so that your enjoyable trip doesn't turn into a disaster. Below are six things you should do before taking off on that cruise.
The Float Plan: Always let someone know your float plan in terms of where you're going and how long you expect to be gone. You may choose to inform the staff at your local marina or a family member. A float plan should include the following information:
Name, address, and phone number of all passengers
Boat type and registration information
Trip itinerary
Types of communication and signal equipment onboard
Weather Watch: You should always check local weather conditions for boating safety before departure. Use common sense. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds, or a sudden drop in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water.
Assistant Skipper: Don't be the only one who knows what to do. Make sure more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat's handling, operations, and other boating safety tips. This person should be able to get everyone back to shore safely if the primary navigator is injured or incapacitated in any way.
Life Jackets Save Lives: A sad but true statistic- The majority of drowning victims due to boating accidents, were found not to be wearing a life jacket? Make sure that your family and friends are not part of this statistic. Assign and fit each passenger on board with a life jacket prior to departure.
Vessel Check: Before departure always perform a safety check of your vessel to make sure that everything is sound and in order.
Alcohol Doesn’t Mix : When there is alcohol involved, the probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles. Studies have shown that the affect of alcohol is exacerbated by external effects such as the sun and wind.
