Boating is a thrilling, absorbing and educational hobby. Once you master how to use your boat, you’ll likely be eager to use it often and invite friends and family on board. But before you start taking it out every weekend, there are a few safety tips you should take into consideration. Boating can be as safe as it is fun, but only if the boat owner is well informed, cautious and organized.
As a business that offers captain services in Ft. Lauderdale, we’re well versed in boat safety, but we know that not all boat owners are as brushed up on safety procedures as they ought to be. Read on to learn about some of the most basic and crucial things you can do to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride every time you go out on the water.
- Pay attention to weather: Here in Florida, the weather can change at the drop of a hat, and you never know when a big storm is going to hit. You should always pay close attention to weather forecasts if you plan to go out boating. And even if you’re having a great time, you should always head back to shore if you see storm clouds, experience heavy winds or notice a sharp drop in temperature.
- Have backup: You could be the most informed, experienced and cautious boater in the world, but you still won’t be completely safe if you don’t have an assistant on board who is also capable of following safety procedures. In the event that you become incapacitated for any reason, a second person that knows safety guidelines will be invaluable. And even if you are able to handle safety yourself, having a second pair of hands in the event of an emergency is always helpful.
- Use life jackets: We know they aren’t particularly stylish, but life jackets really are crucial, especially if you hit rough waters. The majority of people who drown do not wear life jackets, and wearing them is a small price to pay to save your life. Even if you don’t wear them all the time, you should at least always have them on board in case you come across some unexpectedly strong waves or a storm.
- Develop a checklist: Having a set list of rules and steps you follow each time you take your boat out will save you a lot of time, as well as reduce the risk of human error. There are standard boat safety checklists you can find online or in books, so start there and mold the list to your own circumstances. You can also ask your local boating store if they have a checklist you can use.
- Take advantage of captain services: If you find that worrying about safety regulations for your boat is getting in the way of you enjoying yourself, then you should consider looking into captain services in Ft Lauderdale. That way, you can let someone else worry about sailing, and feel free to relax on your boat.