In this article I am going to cover the following basic items for boating safety. 1) essential items to equip your boat with in case of emergency. 2) Very basic rules for boater safety when navigating. 3) Basic safety guidelines when boating after dark.
The number of boats have definitely increased dramatically over the last 20-30 years. It seems now nowadays owning a boat is a status symbol among other reasons. With that increase in boats have come the increase of number of boats using waters (lakes, rivers etc) during peak times meaning weekends and weeknights. Yes the waters are crowded here in Minnesota land of Ten thousand lakes and other places in the country where there are a lesser number of lakes.
Each year here in Minnesota and virtually every other state there are very serious accidents and deaths that occur. Many accidents occur due to not following basic safety rules.
What are some must boating safety tips. Wear your life jacket. Have proper safety gear which would include: Fire extinguisher. A throwable life ring or seat cushion, first aid kit, flashlight (easily forgotten) and an audio distress signal (like a megaphone), also helpful is a flashing emergency light run by batteries. All these items are helpful and my save your life. You can purchase these items at a marina. They are not hard to fine.
Know your states boat regulations. Get a safety check by your department of natural resources. Pay attention to no wake zone, make sure your registration is up to date, do not drink alcohol. Check the weather report before going boating.
Keep a small inexpensive weather radio on board. Check the weather frequently if conditions are threatening. Get off the water when there is lightning. Steer clear of swim areas and be very careful of your propeller. The propeller is like a rotating saw.
Many swimmers have been killed when hit with a prop. Many arms and legs have been amputated. So even if your swimming around your boat or other boats be aware of that propeller.
Address some basic rules for boating after dark. Of course after dark visibility is greatly reduced and you really need to be way more alert. Slow down and pay close attention to sound and lights on the water. Lights are essential.
The law requires lights on the bow and rear of a boat. Not all boats abide by the lighting requirements. It is critical to slow your boat speed down at night. You see a light on the water coming towards you slow down and see what direction the other boater is going then proceed.
When boating after dark especially consider the weather forecast. Will it be overcast, if so there will be less light to see and the same concerning the moon phases. Are you boating on high boat traffic period like on a weekend? Are you boating in an area where there are a lot of obstacles in the water?
Let someone no where you are going and when you plan to return. Always check your lighting that it is working and you have extra light bulbs.
At night while boating make sure you have a cell phone and marine radio is always a good idea to have as backup. Keep music low so you can hear other boaters approaching. A GPS comes in handy and is a good idea to have one. There you have some basic guidelines for boating safety. I will cover other boating safety items in upcoming articles.
Learn How To Catch Fish To learn more about the basics of catching fish
Choosing A Boat [http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-choose-a-fishing-boat-and-motor] The basics of selecting a boat
The number of boats have definitely increased dramatically over the last 20-30 years. It seems now nowadays owning a boat is a status symbol among other reasons. With that increase in boats have come the increase of number of boats using waters (lakes, rivers etc) during peak times meaning weekends and weeknights. Yes the waters are crowded here in Minnesota land of Ten thousand lakes and other places in the country where there are a lesser number of lakes.
Each year here in Minnesota and virtually every other state there are very serious accidents and deaths that occur. Many accidents occur due to not following basic safety rules.
What are some must boating safety tips. Wear your life jacket. Have proper safety gear which would include: Fire extinguisher. A throwable life ring or seat cushion, first aid kit, flashlight (easily forgotten) and an audio distress signal (like a megaphone), also helpful is a flashing emergency light run by batteries. All these items are helpful and my save your life. You can purchase these items at a marina. They are not hard to fine.
Know your states boat regulations. Get a safety check by your department of natural resources. Pay attention to no wake zone, make sure your registration is up to date, do not drink alcohol. Check the weather report before going boating.
Keep a small inexpensive weather radio on board. Check the weather frequently if conditions are threatening. Get off the water when there is lightning. Steer clear of swim areas and be very careful of your propeller. The propeller is like a rotating saw.
Many swimmers have been killed when hit with a prop. Many arms and legs have been amputated. So even if your swimming around your boat or other boats be aware of that propeller.
Address some basic rules for boating after dark. Of course after dark visibility is greatly reduced and you really need to be way more alert. Slow down and pay close attention to sound and lights on the water. Lights are essential.
The law requires lights on the bow and rear of a boat. Not all boats abide by the lighting requirements. It is critical to slow your boat speed down at night. You see a light on the water coming towards you slow down and see what direction the other boater is going then proceed.
When boating after dark especially consider the weather forecast. Will it be overcast, if so there will be less light to see and the same concerning the moon phases. Are you boating on high boat traffic period like on a weekend? Are you boating in an area where there are a lot of obstacles in the water?
Let someone no where you are going and when you plan to return. Always check your lighting that it is working and you have extra light bulbs.
At night while boating make sure you have a cell phone and marine radio is always a good idea to have as backup. Keep music low so you can hear other boaters approaching. A GPS comes in handy and is a good idea to have one. There you have some basic guidelines for boating safety. I will cover other boating safety items in upcoming articles.
Learn How To Catch Fish To learn more about the basics of catching fish
Choosing A Boat [http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-choose-a-fishing-boat-and-motor] The basics of selecting a boat