Five Boating Safety Tips

The weather is heating up and boating season is upon us. Before you step into that canoe or speedboat, here are some boating safety tips to keep you safe this summer.

Tip Number One: Wear a Life Jacket

Even if you are a strong swimmer, if you are boating on the river or in fast moving water simply being a strong swimmer is not enough to ensure your safety if you are knocked from your canoe or raft. If you are boating with a small child, make sure that your child wears a life jacket at all time and make sure that the life jacket he or she is wearing is one that works. My husband is an avid angler and has had water safety training. He advises that a child's swimsuit with the built in flotation device is probably not enough to keep your young child safe if he or she falls into the water. He recommends that young children wear a life vest with "heads-up design". These life vests are designed to flip your child onto his back so that he is not face down in the water.

Tip Number Two: Never Drink and Boat

I will admit as a young woman I spent plenty of time onboard a friend's boat with a cocktail in hand. If you are the one driving the boat, you should definitely not be drinking. Numerous boating accidents occur because the driver of the boat is intoxicated. The rules for drinking and driving a car apply to driving a boat as well. If you are a passenger on a boat, you may want to think twice about consuming alcohol as well since alcohol may impair your ability to act if a boating accident occurs.

Tip Number Three: Make Sure You Know How to Operate the Boat

This tip is meant for those who are renting a boat. Make sure to get instructions on how to operate the boat. Follow the instructor's advice. Driving a boat takes some practice and inexperience is one of the main reasons for boating accidents.

Tip Number Four: Don't Boat Alone

Just as experts tell you to never swim alone; you should also never boat alone. You want to make sure that you have back up in case something happens. If you do decide to boat alone, make sure that someone knows where you are boating and when you plan to return home.

Tip Number Five: Be Careful Getting In and Out of the Boat

Many do not realize but more people are injured entering and exiting a boat then when they are actually on the water boating. Be aware of the potential risks and take your time entering and exiting the boat.

These are some simple boating safety tips to help ensure that your experiences on the water this summer are enjoyable and safe.

Sources:
Interview with Ivan Borner, Avid Angler