If you are new to power boating, having a safe and enjoyable experience is crucial. So, before you get on the water, check out this list of...
Whether you're an old salt or on your first few dozen ocean miles, the start of the season is the perfect time for every boater to brush up on boating safety. After you've given your bottom and on-board systems their annual cleaning, make sure your safety systems are firmly in place as well.
U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in three-fourths of recreational boating fatalities in 2015 – 84% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. The National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service have teamed up to promote safe boating practices with National Safe Boating Week.
National Safe Boating Week 20201: Links, Events, & Info
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Keep this URL handy throughout the year: safeboatingcampaign.com
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See the National Safe Boating Council's tips on boating while social distancing
On board
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Even if you've been through them a thousand times, take time to review the safety items you keep on board. Are your life jackets up to snuff and sized correctly for each crew member? Have you been tapping your fire extinguisher to keep it "fresh"? (Hint: Don't do that.) Now's the time to update your gear before a summer in full-swing pushes this important task out of mind.
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What are you missing? Check out Discover Boating's Pre-Departure Checklist, which comes complete with a downloadable version so you can print that bad boy out, laminate it, and keep it on board. Explore more online resources – including FAQs on lifejackets, navigation rules, and vessel safety regulations – from the Safe Boating Council.
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Have a furry first mate? Make sure your pets have the gear and care they need: a snug-but-comfortable life vest, plenty of water, and shade. And whichever the species, have your rescue plan in place before you leave the dock in case a pet (or human) falls in without warning.
On hand
Some boaters shun the idea of technology interfering with time on the water, which is understandable. But we all know a good resource when we see it, and having safety checklists, reminders, and alerts in the palm of your hand is an absolute advantage.
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The U.S. Coast Guard app can help you check your safety systems, file a float plan, and more.
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We also like the NOAA Hi-Def Radar Pro app for its detailed storm visualizations, storm alerts, and hurricane tracking.
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For our BoatUS members, when you call for assistance using the official BoatUS app, your coordinates, boat size, and other crucial information is sent to their teams, which will help keep communication crystal clear.
Online
It always helps to keep your knowledge recent. Luckily there are many online courses for you to choose from when it comes to boating safety, and they won't cost you an arm and a leg.
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BoatEd, the official provider of recreational safety education materials for all 50 states, offers boater safety courses and test online.
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The BoatUS Foundation offers cutting-edge courses on safety, including Hurricane Preparation and the newly-added How to Use GPS.
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Avoid catching a cold (or covid) by signing and paying for dockage from a distance – even your long-term contracts.
Thus concludes our list of starting points for dusting off your boating safety for the season; hopefully we've provided enough links to resources so you can take the research from here. Which tip is your favorite? Do you have a safe boating cautionary tale to share? Let us know - email marketing@dockwa.com or chime in on Facebook.
Happy (and safe) Boating!
Check out our other blog posts to get an inside look at our favorite destinations, marinas, liveaboards, and tips for boaters. Then, join the conversation on Flipboard, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
