Search:

Home | Recreation And Leisure


Boat Safety Overview

By: Celeste Izon

For land mammals, we humans sure love our time on the water. People migrate to northern lakes in the summer, and southern beaches in the winter. Any time of year, a vacation just isn't the same without spending some time on the water.

Boating is both an exhilarating sport and a relaxing hobby. Whether your idea of "fun" is speeding through the surf or paddling along a quiet stream, water is the perfect backdrop for a day of unbridled freedom. Water is fun and relaxing, but it does command utmost respect. There can be a lot of danger to participating in water sports, and the smartest boaters are always the safest boaters.

Wear a Floatation Device

All smart boaters prepare themselves for the unexpected. Weather can quickly turn ugly, causing high waves and blinding precipitation. Collisions and capsizes have brought countless boating trips to abrupt ends, even for the most experience boaters. Don't think that you're invincible. Everyone on the boat, even strong swimmers, must wear a floatation device. Small and young children are particularly at risk or injury or drowning. It's not just a smart thing to do; in many places, everyone in a boat is required by law to wear a personal floatation device.

Learn About Safety

Whether you're a nautical novice or an experience boater, it's a good idea to take a boating safety course. Free courses are available in many areas, and lessons can be completed in just a day or two. Sign yourself up, and your entire family. No child is too young to appreciate the dangers of the water, and learn how to stay safe. Check online if you have trouble finding a boating course. The Internet can be the best way to find information on available programs.

Keep Booze off the Boat

Drinking and boating is every bit as dangerous, and just as illegal, as drinking and driving. You're taking the lives of others in your hands when you're operating any type of watercraft, and you need to stay alert at all times. Alcohol, drugs and even certain prescription medications will dull your reflexes and impair your judgment. In most areas, the waterways are governed by the same impairment laws that are imposed upon automobile drivers.

Be Surf Smart

The cornerstone of boat safety is sensibility. You must know your limits and be sure that you can make educated decisions in a split second. Know how to react if another boat veers suddenly toward you. Know what to do if a friend falls from his water skis and disappears from sight. You'll need to make judgment calls, so understand the potential dangers and learn how to react.

Respect Rules

You expect other boaters to respect you, and you must do the same for them. Give others plenty of room to share the waters. Make it easy for other boaters to see you, day and night. Mind the local water rules and regulations, including the speed limit. Remember to have respect for your passengers and yourself. Showing off is no excuse for poor respect and dangerous behavior.

Boat Maintenance

A poorly maintained boat is an accident waiting to happen. Check your craft often to ensure that all components are in safe working order and adhere to boat safety requirements. You keep a maintenance record for your car, and should do the same for your craft. Your boat and motor should be regularly maintained, and you must know how to perform emergency repairs if you have an accident or breakdown on the water.

From relaxing evenings trolling for bass to exhilarating afternoons of extreme water skiing, nothing beats a day on the water. Safety is always most important, so always make it your first priority.

Article Source: http://www.topicinfo.com

Celeste Izon writes for a variety of web sites, on fishing sports recreation and other hobby topics.
Don't reprint this article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.

Please Rate this Article

 

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Recreation and Leisure Articles Via RSS!
Additional Articles From - Home | Recreation And Leisure
Sign Up for a free account or learn more.
Submit Articles
Member Login
Top Authors
Most Popular Articles
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds
About Us
Submit Link
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

Powered by Article Dashboard