5 Boating Safety Tips You Need to Know

If you have grown up in Rochester, chances are you spent your weekends at the beautiful waterfronts of the city. Situated in the southern front of Lake Ontario, Rochester is a Great Lake city. The spectacular waterfronts are famous for kayaks, boat rides, and cruises.

You can contact any boat dealer in Rochester, NY, for boat sales, servicing, and rentals. The city is home to skilled boatmen.

Whether you’re planning to own a boat or already own one and planning to take it out for a ride, you should not forget your safety while out in the water.

Boating Safety Tips

It does not matter if you are a beginner or an expert. Accidents can occur with anybody. Safety should be your biggest priority when you are out on the water with your boat.

Read ahead to find some safety tips for making your boat rides a fun experience.

Wear a Life Jacket

Always wear a life jacket when you are on the boat. This is one of the primary and most essential safety tips.

Even if you are a swimmer, ensure you have access to a lifejacket. One thing to keep in mind is that one size doesn’t fit all. So, if you have children on the boat, adult-sized life jackets are not appropriate for them. Get them jackets that fit well.

Check the Weather

Always check the weather forecast before leaving the dock. If you have a destination in mind that you are sailing to, check the weather of the place too.

Remember, the weather can change even when you set out to sail on a bright sunny day. People make this common mistake thinking that the weather will be the same for the rest of the day.

Always Keep a Boat Kit

Nobody can guess when things can get out of hand. It’s best always to stay prepared for an emergency. Keep an emergency kit on your boat at all times. You can find a boat kit from any boat dealer in Rochester, NY.

Here’s a list of the things that you should keep in the boat:

  • Bucket to throw out water if water gets into the boat
  • Whistle to signal for an emergency
  • Flashlight to help you in the dark
  • A fire extinguisher to help put out a fire
  • Ropes for pulling out somebody from the water
  • First aid kit if someone gets injured or has minor accidents

Don’t Overload the Boat.

Keep the boat’s capacity in mind when loading people or things. Exceeding the boat’s capacity will unbalance the boat and may lead to accidents.

Check Your Boat

Before you start sailing, there are a few guidelines you need to follow for maximum safety on the water.

  • Coast Guard offers a free vessel safety check where you can get your boat checked.
  • Check that all components of the boat are functioning properly, and ensure you have a full tank of gas
  • Understand the boat laws in the state
  • Respect others on the water and keep your boat at a safe distance from them

Summing Up

This list can keep you safe when you’re on the water. But remember always to use common sense, maintain a safe speed, keep the children from the edge, and stay alert at all times!