Boating Safety Tips Booklet
National Safety Boating Saftey Tips:
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The number one priority for every boater should be safety. Mkae sure you are prepared for any event that could take place while on the water. Every Captain is responsible for their crew.
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Take the time to be preared for most any situation to keep your crew and yourself safely out of harms way.
- !Unexpected things happen on the water!
Required equipment
LIFE JACKETS:
Select the right style life jacket for your boat activity. Read the label for intended use, size, and other important information. Alwasy have at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket per passenger on board. It is also recommended to have a minimum of two extra on board.
THROWABLE FLOTATION AIDS
A throwable device should be readily available to the operator of the boat in case a person
accidentally goes overboard. It is designed to be thrown to a person in the water who shoul grasp and hold it until rescued. It is not designed or intended to be worn. Throwable devices include buoyant cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys. Most throwables do not include line. Attach several feet of floating line to a throwable device to equip a rescuer with a means to assist a victim in the water. Read the label and ensure the flotation device is U.S Coast Guard approved.
VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS
U.S. Coast Guard approved flares, orange signal flags, day signals, and electric distress lights are an essential part of boater safety. Always make sure to check the condition of these devices before you leave shore.
SOUND PRODUCING DEVICES
Whistle, horn, or bell audible for one-half mile. In events where visibility is an issue out on thewater, sound producing devices such as a whistle, horn, or bell are essential. These soundproducing devices must be readily accessible to the passengers onboard. One suggested idea is to attach a whistle to each life jacket onboard.
Strongly Suggested Safety
EMERGENCY LOCATOR DEVICE: (EPIRB)
Emergency locator devices are used to alert search and rescue services. Two of the most common devices include Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). An EPIRB is for one’s boat an registered to the vessel, while a PLB is registered to the person and may be used on land as well as the water.
EMERGENCY BOATING KIT
Even a well-maintained boat can experience unexpected trouble while out on the water. Therefore, it is recommended that you put together an Emergency Boating Kit to keep onboard. You can find different types of emergency boating kits at all major outdoor retail stores.
DRINKING WATER
Stay hydrated. Boating is typically a recreational activity that takes place during the summer, or warm months throughout the year. That is why it is vital to make sure you have ample water for yourself and all passengers onboard.
Boat Sober
BOAT SOBER / BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Alcohol use is the primary contributing factor in boater fatalities and can be easily avoided by choosing not to boat and drink. Do not bring or consume alcohol or drugs while on the water. Consuming alcohol negatively impacts vision, balance and reaction times and can cause dehydration. The effects of alcohol are heightened on the water compared to on land, with the environmental stressors such as wind, noise, and vibrations of the boat. Boating under the influence is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to injuries, death, and serious legal and financial ramifications.
