Top Tips for Watercraft and Boating Safety this Summer

Boats are hitting the water right now all around the country and for good reason: the days of summer are open wide, full of fishing, frolicking and gliding across the waves! And while you may be eager to push off and spend your days on the water, taking a few moments to review proper watercraft safety is never a bad idea.

A lot of this advice is common sense: always operate the boat at safe speeds, steer clear of large vessels and watercraft that are less responsive, be aware of buoys and other navigational aids, etc. For many of those hitting the water in a Honda in Treasure Coast, FL, a few more safety tips never really hurt:

• Do your best work on land. Prepare as much of your trip as possible. Make up a pre-departure checklist and stick to it; don’t leave the slip if anything on the list is off the boat. Be aware of weather conditions as well. Better to play it safe and stay on land if the skies darken then head out under questionable conditions and endanger yourself and others in a storm at sea.
• File a float plan. Make sure that somebody on land knows you’re headed off to sea. Leave as many details of the trip as possible. Let them know where you’re going, what you’re taking and who will be with you. If you don’t have family or friends nearby that you can trust with this info, tell someone at the marina where you launch your journey.
• Establish the chain of command. Even if you’re the boat’s main owner, there should be at least two people on board who know how to operate your vessel. If you are the only person who knows how to adjust the sails or run the bilge pump, the trip will take a sour turn if you fall ill or become incapacitated.
• Cut the rum ration. The probability of being in a boat accident double when alcohol is involved. The effects of the sun and wind also hit harder while under the influence. Save the partying for back at the marina or when you’ve reached your destination for the evening.
• Always be boating. Even when the temperature is below freezing and your ship is away for the season, there are plenty of things to do to prepare for next season. Brush up on your swimming skills with a class. Most states require a boating safety course to own a boat, so why not take a refresher or advanced course. Before the season begins next year, check with your local Coast Guard about getting a free safety inspection for your vessel.

The more tips you use, the more you’ll enjoy your Honda in Treasure Coast, FL. Finding the proper mix of common sense and safety preparedness for your command is important, but the safe return of you and anyone else who boards your vessel is even more so.