Posts Tagged ‘boating safety’

According to public data released by the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 4,062 recreational boating accidents reported in 2013, causing 2,620 injuries, 560 deaths, and $29 million worth of property damage (source). Unfortunately, many people overlook the fundamentals of safety when operating a boat. Whether you’re going fishing, skiing, or simply enjoying a summer afternoon on the water, you’ll want to follow these 5 steps to ensure a safe experience for everyone on board.

#1) Life Jackets

There’s a reason why they are called life jackets — because they save lives. The majority of drowning deaths are attribute to life jackets not being present. Laws regarding Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) vary from state-to-state, but a good rule of thumb is to keep one U.S. Coast Guard-certified life jacket (PFD) on board for each passenger.

#2) Coast Guard Vessel Check

Did you know that the U.S. Guard Coast issues free vessel and safety gear checks? They will examine your boat and its respective equipment to ensure it meets both the federal and state regulations. And if you don’t have access to a coast guard in your area, you can check out their website for an online virtual safety check. Did I mention boat inspections by the coast guard are free?

#3) Watch The Weather

The worst place you can be when a bad storm rolls through is stuck on a boat in the middle of a lake. Check the weather before heading out to ensure your boating experience is safe and enjoyable for everyone on board. If you notice sudden gusts of strong wind, lightning flashes on the horizon, and/or a sudden change in humidity, it’s probably time to call it a day and head back to the docks.

#4) Keep a Fire Extinguisher On Board

Each and every vessel should have a working fire extinguisher, because just seconds can mean the difference between sinking and floating. Don’t just toss an old fire extinguisher in the storage compartment of your boat and call it a day, but instead test it out beforehand to ensure it’s charged and functional.

#5) Stay Lit

When the sun begins to edge its way closer and closer down towards the horizon, you’ll want to sure your boat is visible to others on the water by turning on your lights. The U.S. Coast Guard requires all boats — including sailboats — to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise. Exact specifications regarding lighting requirements varies from state-to-state, so check with your respective state’s laws before heading out on the water.

Nothing beats Boats for providing cool relaxation on hot summer days. But that relaxation can be cut short when something goes wrong or malfunctions.  Avoid having your relaxation interrupted this summer by following these quick safety tips before taking your boat out.

• Check weather reports and tide charts or current conditions before committing to a boating expedition.
• Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on board.
• File a float plan with someone you trust, so if something does go wrong, your friends know where to tell the coast guard or other emergency personnel to find you.
• Consider taking a boating safety course if you are new skipper.
• Test your on board equipment for proper function and double check oil and fuel levels.
• Double check that any safety equipment such as radios, beacons, or alarms are functional.
• Check if the area where you will be boating recommends any additional safety gear or fittings for common conditions.
• Don’t overload your boat, and make sure that all weight is evenly distributed.
• Have one other person designated as a look out to watch for hazards, such as floating debris or other boats.  Sometimes nothing beats a second set of eyes for avoiding an accident.
• Keep your boat weatherized, covered and well-maintained when it is not in the water.

For more tips on keeping your boat in the best condition and the equipment that’ll help to keep your time on the water safe and relaxing this summer, contact us at Performance Product Technologies.

General boating safety can seem overly cumbersome at times. However these simple but effective guidelines can be the difference between incredibly rewarding family time spent together on the water versus serious injury, and in some cases even loss of life. As we approach the upcoming 2014 boating season we’ve dedicated a few short & simple articles to the topics of boating safety such as proper use of your Boat’s Lanyard Cord, and General Boating Information and Checklist Items. We hope you will find these articles useful.

1. Always tell others where you are planning to go, and when you plan to return.
2. Always check the weather and be aware of changing weather conditions.
3. Always shut off  the engine when passengers are boarding and unloading the boat.

General Boating Checklist

• Personal Flotation Devices
• Radio
• Approved Fire Extinguishers
• Tools (Minor Repairs)
• Anchor
• Anchor Line
• Manual Bilge Pump
• Drain Plugs
• Waterproof Storage Containers
• Drinking Water
• Paddle/Oar
• Compass
• Map
• First Aid Kit
• Signal Devices
• Spare Propeller

Use personal flotation devices.

Federal law requires that there be a U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jacket (personal flotation device), correctly sized and readily accessible for every person on board, plus a throw-able cushion or ring. Although laws vary by state, it is strongly advised that everyone wear a life jacket at all times while in the boat.