involved 767 deaths, 3,191 injuries and approximately $62.5 million of damage
to property as a result of recreational boating accidents.
1. WEAR A LIFE JACKET
No matter what activity you have planned on the water, always
remember to wear a life jacket
every time you are on the water. Accidents on the water can happen
much too fast to reach and
put on a stowed life jacket.
Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved,
appropriate for your water activity
and fits properly. A life jacket that is too large or too small
can cause different situational problems.
how to choose the right one.
2. KNOW STATE BOATING LAWS
Rules and laws can differ from state to state and violations can
result in ticketing, fines or jail time.
Click the links below for boating information in your state.
3. TAKE BOATING SAFETY COURSE
situations by taking a NASBLA
(National Association of Boating Law Administrators) approved
boating safety course. Many courses are online, and will save you money on your
boat insurance.
Click the links below for boating education in your state.
4. MAKE SURE YOUR BOAT IS PREPARED
boat. Schedule a Vessel Safety Check with your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S.
Power Squadrons before you hit the water.
Every Vessel Safety Check is conducted 100% free of charge.
5. KNOW YOUR BOAT’S CAPACITY
If you have too much on your boat, the boat may become unstable
and capsize.
6. CHECK THE WEATHER, INCLUDING THE WATER TEMPERATURE
Know the latest marine weather forecast prior to going out, and
keep a regular check for changing conditions.
Check out the your local forecast report below:
7. DRESS PROPERLY
Always dress for the weather, wearing layers if cooler weather,
and bring an extra set of clothes in case you get wet.
8. FILE A FLOAT PLAN
about the trip, boat, persons, towing or trailer vehicle, communication
equipment, and emergency contacts. Find out more at floatplancentral.org.
9. FOLLOW NAVIGATION RULES
Know the “Rules of the Road” such as operator’s responsibility,
maintaining a proper lookout, safe speed, crossing, meeting head-on, and
overtaking situations. Know what’s going on around you at all times, and always
travel at safe speeds for the environment.
10. DON’T DRINK AND BOAT
deaths. Find out more at operationdrywater.org.
11. CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Gasoline-powered engines on boats, including onboard generators,
produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas that can poison or
kill someone who breathes too much of it. Be sure to install and maintain a
working CO detector, never block exhaust outlets, and always dock, beach, or
anchor at least 20 feet away from the nearest boat that is running a generator
or engine.
12. KEEP IN TOUCH
Communication devices can be the most important piece of emergency
equipment on board a vessel, especially in case of emergency. Be sure to have
at least two communication devices that work when wet, such as satellite
phones, emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), VHF radios, and
personal locator beacons (PLB). And, know how to use it.
Clinton Mora is a reporter for Trending Insurance News. He has previously worked for the Forbes. As a contributor to Trending Insurance News, Clinton covers emerging a wide range of property and casualty insurance related stories.