Having fun while sailing on open waters? Not to scare you, but things can go wrong in a fraction of a second. Picture this: You’ve rented a boat to spend quality time with your family. Food? Check. Drinks? Check. Life jackets? Yes, but apparently not within reach. The worst part has yet to come. You didn’t check the weather forecast before heading out. A couple of hours later, the weather turned torrential. Your boat abruptly stopped in the middle of the water. No communication! No clue who to ask!
What went wrong? Skipping the weather forecast? Life jackets not at hand? No clue how to ask for help? It can be anything. In this article, we will walk you through the boating safety tips you must know before heading out on the water. Whether you are renting a boat for a day or long term, these tips will make your time onboard both safe and enjoyable. Let’s get started –
Familiarize Yourself with Your Boat
Especially if you are a beginner, it is essential to familiarize yourself with your boat and its equipment before hitting the water.
- Have a basic understanding of how the boat runs and how to start and stop the engine.
- Know how to use a fire extinguisher or navigation lights in case of an emergency.
- Practice driving your boat in calm weather before moving into more difficult waters.
- Build muscle memory for docking or stopping the boat.
Check that all your equipment is in good condition before you head out. And most importantly, keep an eye on the weather, as it can make or break your trip.
Check Marine-Specific Weather Forecast
Planning your boating trip just because the forecast shows sunshine? You might want to think twice.
- Check a marine-specific forecast, such as the National Weather Service.
- Know about the possible strong waves, winds, and storms in advance.
- Even when the sky is clear, make sure that your boat is all provisioned.
Once you have checked the weather forecast, consider the thing that ensures a smooth sailing, your life jacket.
Strap On Your Life Jacket Before Heading Out
Someone said, “Life Jackets Save Lives, Don’t Take a Dive”. New to boating? Always wear a life jacket. Putting a life jacket on can double your survival chances if you fall overboard. Even if you are experienced, it’s still recommended to wear one.
- These jackets are designed to keep you safe in case of an emergency.
- Keep these items within arm’s reach of all passengers.
After all, in the boating world, it’s not just about staying afloat; it’s about driving safely. Not just the life jackets, you need to maintain your boat regularly to ensure everything is in good condition.
Ensure Regular Maintenance of Your Boat
In a world where every wave and gust challenges safety, a well-maintained boat isn’t just a necessity – it’s a mark of excellence.
- Perform regular maintenance inspections to ensure that your boat is in good working condition.
- Check for wear and tear and make sure the fuel system and electrical components are functioning safely.
- Ensure that the fuel system is working correctly.
- Carefully check all safety equipment, such as life jackets and fire extinguishers.
- Once you are done with your maintenance shebang, create a checklist to ensure you don’t skip any essential safety gear.
Have a Quick Safety Gear Rundown
Have a look at the gear that you can’t afford to skip at any cost before heading out –
- Life Jackets
- Fire extinguisher
- Throwable flotation device
- Navigation lights
- Emergency signals
- VHF radio (waterproof)
- Whistle
After you tick mark all these items in your boat, make sure that you know how to use them.
Now that everyone is on board and all set to embark on the voyage, let’s go through the basic knowledge of rules while navigating your boat.
Know the Boating Rules
Powerboat on the water and confused about yielding to sailboats? Remember – every wave has its rules.
- Powerboat yields to sailboats
- Right of way for the boats on your right
- Go slowly while passing
Say No to Alcohol While Onboard
“BUI is just as deadly as drinking and driving”, states the US Coast Guard. The penalties include
- large fines
- Operational privileges revoked
- jail
If you want to get drunk, wait until you dock your boat.
Now that you skipped the alcohol while on water, let’s check what happens if something goes wrong.
Know What To Do If Things Go Sideways
Richard Cushing once cited, “Plan Ahead: It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” Emergencies are rare if you are hands-on, but they can still happen. You, in fact, everyone on board should know how to respond to emergencies.
If someone accidentally falls in water, instead of getting paranoid
- Stop the engine
- Use a throwable flotation device
In case of fire,
- Use a fire extinguisher
- cease fuel supply
- ask for help using a VHF radio
Speaking of emergencies, let’s talk about weather that gets severe without warning.
Keep Checking for Bad Weather Conditions
Plan your boating trip after a proper weather forecast. Unfortunately, that’s not enough. A majority of deaths occur due to bad weather conditions. You need to keep checking the weather and the wind.
It’s your cue to head back to the shore if you notice any of these conditions –
- Drop in temperature
- Fast-moving clouds cover the clear sky
- Thunder
- Sudden winds
- You are lucky if you are close and can head back once the weather starts to change. What if you get stuck? Let’s check that out.
What If You are Already Out in Bad Weather?
- Stay calm and be proactive
- Wear life jackets
- Anchor in a safe area
- Point the bow into the waves
- Use a VHF radio to check for any weather updates
- Immediately call for assistance
Use the right tools to keep yourself updated during bad weather.
The above-mentioned boating safety tips will help you enjoy your time on the water with more confidence. Having the right equipment and knowledge to use it is crucial for keeping you and the entire crew safe while boating.
Choose A Float Plan Before Heading Out
Begin your boating adventure with a float plan. Share your destination, who’s on board, the boat you’re using, and your expected return time with a friend. This way, rescuers will have crucial information if anything goes wrong.
Slip Stream – Your Ultimate Destination for All Your Boating Needs
Once you’ve checked all the essentials, it’s time to make your boating experience both safe and thrilling. At Slip Stream, we make it easier than ever. As the first platform of its kind in the boating world, Slip Stream brings everything you need into one place. Rent a boat, join a club, find a marina, or connect with a dealer – it’s all just a few clicks away. Best of all, it’s free to use, you deal directly with the business, and you’ll discover exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else.
Plan your next nautical escapade with Slip Stream, and sail places you’ve never imagined!
Conclusion
They say, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” Things can go wrong while you are on water. Boating is all about preparing yourself upfront so you can unwind and laugh without worrying about anything. These boating safety tips are easy to follow and pretty smart. You will thank yourself later! Happy Boating.
