Boating can be a fun and fulfilling experience for the entire family provided everything goes the right way. We’re not talking about negotiating boat loans and looking for the best deal. Reviewing safety protocols and checking equipment should be part of the routine for a first-time boat owner or even a seasoned mariner.
Forty states in the United States and all the provinces in Canada have legal requirements that boat operators attend boater safety education classes before receiving their license. That includes personal watercrafts (PWCs), classified by the US Coast Guard as any motorized aquatic vessel less than sixteen feet long that one person operates.
Boater safety classes include instruction on everything from the boat handling basics to reading the weather. They also focus on obeying all regulations and cooperating with law enforcement personnel who patrol the waters. Boaters should take these classes even if not required. When it comes to boating, there’s always something new to learn.
The integrity of the craft itself should be your number one priority. Taking out a boat that leaks or having an engine that doesn’t function at peak efficiency could be deadly. With a car, you can get out and walk if it breaks down. Malfunctioning boats cause drowning and serious injuries. To avoid those, make sure your boat has the following:
Be prepared before you boat. The critical thing to remember is that safety needs to be a priority before leaving the dock and while you’re out on the water. Stock the boat with life jackets, a throwable flotation device, fire extinguishers, flares, and signal flags. Make sure you have a horn or whistle to signal other boats. Attending to these needs before embarking make your passengers feel safer and ensures that your time as a boat owner is healthy and enjoyable.
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