Now that summer is here, many people all over California are taking to the open water to spend some much needed quality time on their boats. While boating can be a fun recreational activity, it can also prove dangerous and even deadly under certain circumstances. In this case, keeping yourself and any passengers along for the ride secure requires adherence to essential boating safety tips.
According to Travelers, there are a number of factors boaters can look at to determine whether they are following safe practices. When actually on the water, it’s important to observe safe practices at all times. For instance, if your passengers are participating in recreational activities (such as swimming), the engine should be powered off to prevent injury. You should also remain completely aware of your surroundings, including both weather conditions as well as the proximity of other vessels.
There are things you can do before leaving the dock that can also be extremely helpful. Creation of a float plan is crucial, as this will make someone else aware of where you intend to end up, as well as a time you are expected to return. That way you can rest assured emergency personnel will be notified in the event of an accident. Also, any communication devices onboard must be tested before you head out so you can call for help if necessary.
DiscoverBoating.com also offers some useful tips to boaters. First and foremost, common sense should always be used when engaged in any sort of outing. Boaters must remain alert, maintain a safe speed, and refrain from behaving in a careless and negligent manner. It’s also a good idea to have another person on board who is familiar with boating and associated practices. In the event you are incapacitated, this person can step in and perform crucial tasks to prevent further harm from occurring.