With the 4th of July coming up, Snag-A-Slip and Sea Tow remind boaters to stay safe on the water with a few simple boat safety tips!
Boating Safety Is Never Lame!
Boating Safety Is Never Lame!
We ask boaters to boat smart and safely out on the water during the holidays. SeaTow wants boaters to keep a few specific boat safety tips in mind before embarking on a fun filled day out and about this 4th of July!
#1: Designate a Sober Skipper
Boat captains have to be alert at all times to be able to operate a vessel, and consuming any substance that impacts a operator’s capability of driving will be dangerous for your passengers, other crafts on the water, and yourself.
Take the pledge to become a Sober Skipper here!
#2: Check Weather Forecasts Before Embarking
Whether you’re a novice boater or an expert captain, weather can get the best of anyone! Make sure you check forecasts before you even leave the docks. Weather can of course be very spontaneous though, so always be on the lookout for darks skies and shifting currents of water and wind!
#3: File A Float Plan Before Embarking
A float plan is only used in a worst case scenario, but is valuable when it is needed. Just jot down where you are going, how long you will be out, and when you will be returning to shore. Leave a phone number as well! This plan will help alert the right people if you have yet to return, and where they should begin the search for you and your passengers.
#4: ALWAYS Wear Your Life Jacket
A life jacket isn’t a fashion statement, but being safe sure is! Life jackets save lives and that is a simple fact no one can deny. Don’t worry-with the SeaTow Life Jacket Loner Program, life jackets are always an option for any activity on the water.
#5: Recognition and Prevention of Overexposure to Carbon Monoxide
For the most part, carbon monoxide exposure won’t be a problem for you or your passengers. However, in the event that the wind is carrying fumes back towards the boat from the engine, overexposure to this gas poses an extreme risk. Symptoms can include: headache, flu-like symptoms, nausea/vomiting, and weakness. If you or a passenger begins to exhibit these symptoms, turn off the boat engine and assess the situation. Radio on VHF if immediate medical attention is required.
#6: Have an Emergency Fire Plan
Water cannot be used to put out chemical or electrical fires! This is a severe misconception and can lead to harm of yourself and passengers. If you encounter flames on the water stop the engine and make sure that everyone is wearing a life jacket in case abandoning the ship is necessary. Then, use a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Marine Type B fire extinguisher to stop the fire. If it keeps burning, place a MAYDAY call on VHF, and abandon ship.
#7: Take a Boating Safety Course
This blog post really doesn’t encompass everything a boater needs to know before getting out on the water, and neither does any post SeaTow makes about boating safety! Take a full length course so you can be the expert your passengers will need if you ever encounter a situation out on the water.
Have a fun, happy, and SAFE 4th of July from everyone at Snag-A-Slip and SeaTow!
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