Courtesy of State Farm
Those of us lucky enough to own boats probably don’t spend the majority of our time on the water.
That general lack of familiarity and experience is why when you do set out in a watercraft — whether for fishing, swimming, water skiing or just cruising — it’s extremely important to familiarize yourself with the rules, requirements and recommendations of boating safety.
The following tips and guidelines are compiled from state and national boating safety organizations, including the U.S. Coast Guard.
Wear a life jacket
Statistics show that most boating fatality victims weren’t wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) and that nine out of 10 of those water deaths might have been prevented with a PFD.
A life jacket should be available for each person aboard and be worn or properly stowed. Jackets should fit snugly and be the appropriate size — remember that adult jackets will not work for children. Check the PFD laws in your state, and test your jackets once a year for leaks and buoyancy.
Dress for water temp
Hunters and fishermen boating during colder-weather months should remember that cold water can kill.
Take swim lessons
Even a few rudimentary lessons could someday mean the difference between living and drowning.
Stay with your boat
If your boat capsizes, stay with it. Not only will it provide floatation assistance, but it’s easier for rescuers to spot.
Keep a clear head
Be aware of carbon monoxide. All internal combustion engines produce carbon monoxide , an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas.
Poor cabin ventilation, blocked exhaust outlets and faulty equipment can contribute to the problem, but carbon monoxide emissions can affect the boat’s swim platform and other areas near the engine.
Be especially careful when moving slowly, idling or stopped, and when you’re near another boat’s engine emissions.
Install carbon monoxide detectors on your boat and be aware of the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headaches, nausea, weakness and irritated eyes — that means staying alert for symptoms that might initially seem like simple seasickness or intoxication.
Don’t drink
Speaking of intoxication, don’t drink and boat. The use of alcohol is involved in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities , according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Boating under the influence (BUI or BWI) is as serious a legal offense as driving while intoxicated.
Additionally, the detrimental physical effects of drinking while boating can be even more severe — the motion, noise, sun, wind and spray on the water is more exhausting than usual, accelerating the intoxicating effects of alcohol.
Plan ahead
Know the rules. Before launching your boat , learn the nautical “rules of the road” by taking a boater safety class. They are a large part of boating safety, especially when meeting, crossing or overtaking another boat.
Learning the meaning of buoys and other water markers, maintain a safe speed and keep a watchful eye on the waters for smooth sailing. Check the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Resource Center for approved boating courses.
Leave a float plan
If you’re going to be on the water for a couple hours, make sure someone on land knows where you’re going and when you plan to return.
If you’re heading out for a longer stretch, leave a written float plan with the marina or a friend that can aid rescuers in case of an emergency. (You cannot file a float plan with the Coast Guard.)
In addition to the where and when information, your float plan should include identifying details about your boat, a passenger list and your boat’s safety and survival equipment, including radio information.
Appoint an assistant skipper
Don’t be the only person on your boat who knows how to operate the vessel and where the safety and first aid equipment are stored. Make sure someone else can get your boat back to shore if you can’t.
Take a safety class
Insurance discounts may be available for approved boating safety courses.
Check the weather
Consult local forecasts before heading out, especially during hurricane season. If you do run into dark clouds, increasing winds or sudden extreme temperature drops while on the water, head back to shore. If you do get caught in a storm, put the PFDs on and keep everyone low in the boat.
Have communication options
Bring a mobile phone sealed in a water- resistant bag, but don’t rely on it completely. Ideally, you should have a VHF marine radio with DCS (Digital-Coded Squelch) that can give the Coast Guard your position in an emergency.
Get your boat inspected
If you’re unsure of your boat’s condition, get a Vessel Safety Check (VSC). A VSC is a free examination of your boat courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to verify the presence and condition of all required safety equipment.
Unlike our automobiles, most of us find ourselves on a boat in order to enjoy some relaxation and recreation. Just don’t let your quest for fun on the water make you complacent about boating safety. Know and follow the rules so that everyone has a good time and gets back to dry land safe and sound.
State Farm (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates) is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites hyperlinked from this page.
