Every summer, our team gets calls from customers after a fun weekend on the water takes a turn for the worse. Often, these accidents could have been prevented with just a few simple precautions. Here are a few tips we like.
Don’t let an accident wreck your fun!
Life Preservers Aren’t Just for Kids. It’s not enough to just have life jackets on board — wear them! In an accident, people rarely have time to reach for a life jacket. This rule applies to adults, not just children: More people in their 30s die in boating accidents than any other age group. Life vests have come a long way in style. Today, you can even get vests for your water-loving dog!
Watercraft Insurance. Most home insurance policies have limited coverage for boats. If you own a boat, watercraft insurance is your best bet: It covers theft, damage, and injuries or accidents while you’re on the water, as well as some of your expensive water-sports gear.
Watch the Back of the Boat. Carbon monoxide kills in minutes. So tell your passengers where your exhaust pipes are located and turn off your engine when people are in the water.
Alcohol and Boating Don't Mix. More than 50 percent of drowning’s result from boating incidents involving alcohol. You don’t drink and drive, so don’t boat and drive.
Boats Need TLC Too. Prep before you go! Make sure everything is in working order on both the boat and the tow vehicle. Nothing worse than running into an issue while you are on your way to the lake/river or just put the boat into the water. When you're out on the water, make sure your gas tanks are vented and bilges are free of vapors, oil, waste and grease. Carry a charged fire extinguisher. Have your boat's operating systems checked yearly by a certified marine technician. The Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons also offer free vessel safety checks.
Hydrate. Make sure to drink plenty of water.
Look before you leap! Jumping in to shallow water can be a recipe for disaster.
Experience Counts! The U.S. Coast Guard says that operator errors account for 70 percent of all boating accidents. Make sure anyone who drives your boat is properly trained. You can also earn boat insurance discounts other insurers if you complete a safety course with the Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons.
Check out these websites for information:
Coast Guard: www.uscgboating.org
Coast Guard Auxiliary: https://nws.cgaux.org
Be safe and have fun out there!
Call Us at 818.285.0323 or contact us via our website for more info!