Boating safety tips include wearing life jackets, following navigation rules, and being aware of the weather.
Life jackets
- Ensure everyone wears a properly fitted life jacket
- Carry extra life jackets in both adult and child sizes
Navigation
- Follow navigation rules and drive at a safe speed
- Be aware of low water areas or submerged objects
- Know the nautical rules of the road
Weather
- Check the weather forecast before setting sail
- Be prepared for weather changes
- If you notice storm clouds, a sudden temperature drop, or wind speed increasing, get off the water
Alcohol
- Never drink alcohol while operating a vessel
- Alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance, and coordination
Safety equipment
- Have first aid kits onboard
- Have extra flotation devices, a fire extinguisher, and a sound signaling device
- Have a carbon monoxide detector
Exercise Good Judgment
- Respect your limits and keep within your limits to avoid injury
- Don’t drink and drive a boat; alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance, and coordination.
- Once on the water, use common sense; in a split second, a situation can arise or the weather can turn.
- If you notice storm clouds, a sudden temperature drop or wind speed increasing, play it safe and get off the water
Other safety tips
- Take a boating safety course
- Dress properly and bring an extra set of clothes in case you get wet
- Designate a sober driver
- Have a whistle or horn
- Have lights, flares, and an emergency locator beacon onboard
- Inspect electrical wiring, connections, cords and battery-charging equipment to ensure they are installed properly and in good condition.
- Have the appropriate fire extinguishers and make sure they are easily accessible.
- Train all boaters on how to use them.
- Check your cooling and exhaust systems.
- Learn how to get up out of the water and how to use the tow rope safely.
- Always have a spotter in the boat, and go over basic hand signals.
- Ensure the towline is not caught in the propeller or wrapped around you before beginning.
- Wait for the propeller to stop before getting back on the boat.
- Enjoy these activities during daylight hours only
