A Beginner’s Guide to Boating Safety

If you’re looking to spend a relaxing afternoon, there’s nothing better than hitting the water with your new boat. But as much fun as boats are, they also pose some hazards. There’s potential for mechanical failure, dangerous weather conditions, and if you’re not prepared for the worst, you could find yourself in a very bad situation. We want to make sure our customers have everything they need to stay safe on the water. That’s why we created this brief guide. Hopefully, you’ll get to know some important boating safety practices so that you can have confidence on the water.

Boating Safety Preparation

Preparation is key to being safe on the water. It’s crucial to check the weather before heading out. Just because you wake up to a sunny morning doesn’t necessarily mean the whole day will be that nice. If there’s a storm in the forecast, don’t try to push your luck.

You should also make sure to tell someone your boating plan. The more specific you can be with regards to where you are planning to go, the better chance you can have of being found by rescue crews. Obviously, you won’t be able to predict exactly where you’ll be at any given moment, but if you can stick to a general outline, you’ll increase the likelihood that help is able to find you substantially.

Boating Safety Equipment

Safety equipment is extremely important in boating. Every passenger on the boat should have a fitting life jacket. You should wear your lifejacket as often as possible, and children should wear theirs at all times. Another critical piece of safety equipment is a life ring. This can be tossed to a person who has fallen off the boat, and it’s especially helpful if your passengers don’t often wear their life jackets. In addition to floatation equipment, you should also keep some basic mechanical supplies as well as a first-aid kit.

Best Practices on the Water

When you get on the water, you’ll want to always follow best boating practices. First, and arguably most importantly, never drink and boat. Not only can you get yourself in big trouble with the law, but you’re also putting yourself, your passengers, and other boaters at risk.

Make sure to follow any posted regulations, too. These are installed for your safety, and if you ignore them you might be putting yourself at risk. Wear your lifejacket as much as possible, especially when the boat is in motion.

We hope that this guide has been useful. If you have more questions, visit Rockingham Boat in Hampstead, NH. Our team will be happy to help you find everything you need to stay safe on the water. We proudly serve all those in Manchester and Nashua.