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Boating is a fun and exciting activity, but it also comes with its own risk of boating accident. In order to ensure that you and your passengers stay safe while on the water, it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards and take the necessary precautions. Here are some tips that I would have researched and now love to share with my readers for avoiding boating accidents:
Take a Boating Safety Course:
Before you hit the water, take a boating safety course. These courses will teach you the basics of boating safety, including how to handle a boat, how to navigate, and what to do in an emergency. I say, if you are not a captain and just a passenger going for a boat trip, you still need to take this boating safety course, It is good to be ready for unforeseen events.
Check the Weather:
Before heading out on the water, check the weather forecast. If the forecast calls for thunderstorms, high winds, or other dangerous conditions, it’s best to stay on shore. For lakes, and rivers you don’t have to worry much about the weather, but when you are boating on a proper ocean, you should be pretty concerned about the weather. You will not be risking yourself alone but other passengers as well.
Wear Life Jackets:
Always wear a life jacket while on the water. Life jackets are designed to keep you afloat in case of an accident, and they can be the difference between life and death. I know it feels like a weight, just consider it as a part of the uniform to go in the water, it is necessary, and you need to make it mandatory for your passengers to wear it, If you are a passenger, make sure your family members are not without it.
Check the Boat’s Safety Equipment:
Before you head out, check that the boat has all of the necessary safety equipment on board. This includes life jackets, a fire extinguisher, a horn or whistle, and a first aid kit. These things are necessary, and you should definitely have a limited food supply on the boat as well, keeping in mind how many passengers you have onboard.
Avoid Alcohol:
Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You know what, do not consume alcohol at all. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, making it much more difficult to operate a boat safely. I have watched so many cartoons in my childhood, where a boat captain has a metal pocket flask filled with alcohol, that basic stereotype. Well, not a good portrayal.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings:
Have you watched Titanic? Always be aware of what’s going on around you while on the water. This includes other boats, floating debris, changing weather conditions, and giant icebergs. Not only that, be aware of what Is happening inside that boat and find out if someone needs you. Some passengers should be traveling for the first time on your boat, making them feel calm and relaxed is also up to you.
Keep a Lookout for Other Boats:
Always keep a lookout for other boats while on the water. Look out for boats that are crossing your path, boats that are approaching from the side, and boats that are following too closely. As you know, boats are not very good with breaks, so as a captain, you have to be careful about that. You can assign it to someone else to do this job for you.
Stay in Marked Channels:
If you have boarded a boat before, you must know there are some specific terms that is used on a boat to stay alert. Marking the channels is also one of them. Always stay in marked channels when boating. These channels are designed to be safe for boats and will help you avoid hazards such as rocks, shallow water, and other obstacles.
Avoid Overloading the Boat:
Just like Air Plane, boats also have a loading capacity, never overload the boat with passengers or gear. Overloading can cause the boat to become unstable and make it more difficult to maneuver. You can also make a carriage limit per passenger, to avoid overloading the boat. Keep in mind that the boat has its own weight as well, which you have to manage while maneuvering.
Have a Communication Device:
Always carry a communication device such as a VHF radio or a cell phone. This will allow you to call for help in case of an emergency. I always found that radio thing so fascinating in a boat, looks so cool, right? But It is one of the important things that you will be needing in case of emergency.
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Have an Emergency Plan:
Have an emergency plan in place in case of a boating accident. This plan should include what to do in case of a fire, a sinking, or a person falling overboard. Some boats tend to have small boats that you can unload in case of emergency to carry out passengers safely. Captain should be responsible for devising plans, and working accordingly in case of emergency.
Be Familiar with the Boat:
Last but not least, make sure you are familiar with the boat and its systems before you set out. Knowing where everything is and how it works can be very helpful in case of an emergency. If you are a captain, you must have known your ship for quite a long time, and you can skip this part, but if you are a new captain, you should cover this step, and it will get easy for you over time.
In conclusion, all I would like to say that, boating can be a fun and exciting activity, but it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Always wear a life jacket, check the weather, check the boat’s safety equipment, avoid alcohol, be aware of your surroundings, and other steps I have mentioned above to have a safe and enjoyable boating journey.
I hope you liked this article, if yes, do let me know In the comments. Thanks for reading.
See you in the next one, Till then, Take Care!
