Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Tips for Boating Safety from Allstate.com

Safe boating is easy and requires nothing more than planning ahead. Allstate.com outlines a safe boating plan which you can view by clicking here. Read below for the basics:

Always wear a life jacket when possible! Life jackets are of no use if you simply buy them and never wear one. Even if you are a professional swimmer, a life jacket can still save your life.

Make sure to let someone know your float plan. This includes who is on board the boat and your planned location and time to be spent on the water. By letting someone know where you are and when you plan to return, you save yourself hours of possibly being stranded on the water with no one knowing of your dilemma.

Be aware of weather conditions. As weather can quickly change on the water though, its always wise to have a back up plan. Store foul weather gear on your boat, this will come in handy in case you should encounter any unexpected storms.

Be careful when fueling the boat. Fires and explosions are caused every year from the gas vapor buildup on boat motors. Proper ventilation of the engine compartment and other areas will help to ensure safety.

Know the rules of the water. Always be on the lookout for other boaters. With the sport of kayaking and canoeing getting more popular each year, there are many small boats to watch out for. Remember "Red, Right, Returning"- meaning that red markers are always kept to the right of the boat when returning to harbor.

Boating and drinking can be deadly. According to the USCG, boating while under the influence accounts for a third of all fatalaties on the water. Drinking while driving the boat is of course a major no-no, but the USCG reccomends passengers avoid it as well to decrease the risk of onboard injuries.

Boating can be dangerous, but by following these simple tips you will be ensured a much safer experience. Of course, there are more guidelines, but these are some of the most basic and important.

Happy Boating!

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