The Basics of Boating Safety

Boats provide the best in both leisure and practical utility. Whether you use your boat for your job, or you use your boat to take a break from your job, boats provide a sense of freedom and entertainment few other vehicles can match. But you don’t want to get yourself into trouble out on the water, especially if you’re out on the ocean where big surf, deep water, and a far off shore can make things more dangerous. Safety should always be the top priority for you and your family. This short guide contains some of our main boating safety tips. Of course, this shouldn’t replace taking a class and reading up to get your boating license, but it hopefully will serve as a good refresher course on boat safety. If you have any questions, or you’re looking for your first boat, stop by Riva Marine & Motorsports. With locations in Miami and Key Largo, Florida, we proudly serve Key West, Islamorada, and the Florida Keys!

Preparation

Some of the most important safety steps you can take happen before you ever get to the water. Preparation is crucial for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the game. One of the most important safety steps you’ll ever take is to check the weather forecast before you leave. Of course, you should make sure to stay off the water if you see any major storms coming through, high winds, lightning, squalls, or any other inclement weather. Knowing the weather will also help you know what type of equipment to bring along. On the hottest days, you’ll need plenty of water, sunscreen, maybe even a few sports drinks.

You should also make sure to establish a float plan and leave it with someone on the shore. A float plan is a basic itinerary of where you plan to boat to, and when you plan to do it. Leave this with a friend or family member who can inform law enforcement if you go missing. Your float plan will help to narrow the search radius and increase the chances that rescue workers can find you.

This should probably go without saying, but it’s not particularly wise to step on a boat if you don’t know how to swim. Learning to swim is a valuable skill anyway, and it’s worth investing time in practice if you’re going to spend a lot of time on a boat.

Safety Equipment

Your safety equipment can make the difference between life and death during a serious accident. Life jackets are a great place to start when purchasing safety equipment. Everyone on the boat should have a fitting life jacket, and they should wear it throughout the trip. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, it’s crucial that you keep your life jacket on because if you get knocked unconscious, your life jacket will help keep you afloat.

A basic safety kit is important, too. This should have some first aid equipment including bandages, cold compresses, an epinephrine pen, and some anti-nausea medicine. In addition to the first aid equipment, you’ll want to make sure you have some signal flares, a space blanket, a survival knife, a waterproof map or GPS, and a compass.

Safety on the Water

All your preparation will come together on the water, so it’s important that you are smart once you actually get on your boat. Stay within your limits as you pilot your boat and avoid pushing the speed past your limits as a captain. Give other boaters a wide berth, and slow down if you see they have swimmers in the water. Make sure to follow all posted rules and regulations, and keep a copy of your boating license with you at all times. Leave the alcohol on the shore and never boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Anything that can affect your motor skills can put you and your passengers at risk. Finally, if you see the weather start to change, make sure to head back immediately. It’s best to leave and live to boat another day!

Safety is important to us here at Riva Marine & Motorsports. We love boating, and we want to share that love with our customers by helping them find the perfect boat for their needs. Stop by one of our locations in Key Largo or Miami, Florida. We proudly serve the Florida Keys, including Key West, Islamorada, Florida. Stop by today!