• Life Vests. Wear them. Make everyone on the boat wear them. They may not be the latest rage in maritime fashion, but they save lives. While it’s best practice to wear life vests at all times, you should at the very least insist that everyone wear them while the boat is moving. And kids should always wear them.

• Sun Screen. While experienced boaters no doubt have enough sense to put some sun screen on before going out on the water, some of your guests might not. It’s a good idea to have some extra on board for those who may not have thought of it. Sun burn is definitely not a good time, so protect yourself and everyone else aboard.

• Emergency Radio and Cell Phones. Depending on where you like to do your boating, and how far from civilization you like to go, a cell phone can be a lifesaver. Of course, cell phones do become useless once they fall in the water. Emergency radios tend to have longer range and are more durable. So, if you plan on going far, take one with you.

• Three little letters that have revolutionized boating. GPS. Obviously, the best part of having a quality global positioning system is that you protect yourself from getting lost. This is a good idea no matter where you do your boating, and an especially good idea if you spend much time in the open water.

So, make a list and double check it. Boating is more fun when you have everything you need to have a good time, and to ensure that everyone is as safe as possible. Make sure your boat insurance is in order, hitch the trailer to the truck, and head out for long summer days on the clear blue. And make sure to be safe out there.

Photo via Hannaford

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m sure if anybody asked, the vast majority of us would say that we’re safe boaters. But are we really? Boating can be a safe and fun way to spend a summer afternoon, but a couple of bad decisions, seemingly small things, can cause a day of fun on the water to turn ugly fast.

The really sad thing is, most of the deaths in boating accidents are preventable. Fully two thirds of boating accident deaths are from drowning. And in almost every case, the victim wasn’t wearing a life jacket.

Most of us don’t go out on the water without life vests in the boat. Our boat insurance policies generally require us to carry them out on the water with us, but how often do we actually wear them? A life vest stashed under the seat doesn’t do us any good at all if we find ourselves unconscious in the water after an accident.

We all tell ourselves those kinds of things won’t happen to us, and most of the time, we’re right. But, if something as simple as insisting that everyone wear a life jacket could make the difference between an inconvenient accident and a deadly one, isn’t it worth it? At the very least, wear life vests while the boat is moving, and insist that children wear them all the time.

Another issue that has come under a great deal of scrutiny in recent years, and rightly so, is drinking and boating. While there are few laws restricting boaters from having alcoholic beverages on board, laws are becoming stricter and stricter for those caught operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol.

Operating a boat while drinking is every bit as dumb as operating a car. If we wouldn’t get behind the wheel of a car with an open beer, we shouldn’t drive a boat that way either. And if you would, do us all a favor and don’t get behind the controls of a boat or car. There’s much evidence that alcohol use on the water is even worse than on the road because factors such as exposure to wind and sun may increase the effects of the alcohol.

Photo via armyengineersnorfolk

Safety Concerns

No one should get out on the water without taking some time to learn at least the basics of boating safety. Whether you take a boating safety course, such as the ones offered by several government and private organizations, or spend time with an experience boater, there is a great deal of safety information you’ll want to learn before trying to operate a boat yourself. Learning to operate a boat safely is not difficult, but there are some safety concerns that may not be readily apparent to beginners, so take the time to learn how to operate your boat safely before you launch her.

Get the Right Boat

If you haven’t already bought a boat, take some time first to do some heavy thinking about what kind of a boat you want. Most newbies should start out with a smaller boat. They’re easier to control. You also need to ask why you’re buying a boat. If you’re planning on spending days on the water with family and friends, you may want a larger boat. Spend plenty of time looking over your options, and considering which kind of boat best meets your needs.

Operating Costs

You’ll also want to consider the ongoing costs of owning and operating a boat. Too many first time boat buyers spend their entire budget on a boat, and then don’t have the money to keep it in the water, leading to boats’ reputation for being “black holes that you throw money into”. Make sure, before you buy any boat, that you have a good idea of what it will cost to run the boat. Most marine mechanics will be happy to give you an idea of what to expect in terms of maintenance and repair costs. Also, shop around for boat insurance. If you invest thousands of dollars into a boat, you’ll want to protect your investment. Know the costs ahead of time.

If you’re thinking about taking up boating, do it! You won’t regret it. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into before you buy.

Photo via visnup

Boating can be dangerous and it can be destructive. Somewhere around $50 million in property damage occurs each year in boat insurance claims. Boating fatalities tend to hover around 700 per year, and injuries beyond basic first aid get near 5,000.

Here, then, are the top 10 things you can do to make sure your summer water sports are fun and safe, and you won’t have to worry about filing a boat insurance claim:

1. Don’t drink and boat. Just don’t do it. Almost a quarter of boating fatalities can cite alcohol as a factor.
2. Know boating safety. If you haven’t taken a boating safety course or if it’s been a few years, it’s time to do so now. The U.S. Coast Guard is a great resource for boating safety courses.
3. Know and follow navigational rules. You don’t disregard traffic laws, so don’t disregard laws and practices when it comes to boating traffic and navigation.
4. Be aware of the weather. Check the forecast. Know if it’s going to be bad out, and be prepared for it.
5. Wear a life jacket and make sure everyone else does. The vast majority of boating fatalities occurred from drowning. Of those that drown, nine out of ten don’t have life jackets on.
6. Set a safety tone. Let your crew and passengers know that safety is important, and lead by example.
7. Be circumspect. Know what’s around you at all times, in terms of things like other boats, floating hazards, shoals and rocks.
8. Get a safety check. The U.S. Coast Guard, as well as other organizations, can perform a safety check of your boat before you take it out for the season.
9. Use a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, and it can kill in minutes. Your boat engine emits carbon monoxide, so make sure you have a detector in the cabin.
10. File a float plan. Make sure someone knows where you’ll be and when you’ll be back. The quicker rescue personnel know you’re gone, and the better idea they have of where you were going, the more likely they are to find you before things take a turn for the worse.

Photo via g-hat

So, for those of you who are just disaster prone, here are the top 5 items you need to make sure you bring along when boating:

1. Radar Reflector. For right around 20 bucks, you can get a little device that will show up as a blip every time a radar signal passes by. This can be especially useful if you plan on getting lost and don’t intend to be able to find your own way back home, or if you plan on being injured and knocked unconscious.
2. Waterproof Handheld GPS and/or VHF. Now, if you’re smart, you’ve got these devices mounted on your boat. The problem is that you’re not likely to have your disaster leave you inside the boat. You’re more likely to find yourself in the water, nowhere near your boat. You can get a combo VHF/GPS unit for less than $300. Just make sure you get a waterproof one, and then attach it to your body tightly.
3. A Collision mat. When you ram your hull into a huge rock, you need to be able to staunch the leak. A canvas collision mat can help to keep your bilge pump from becoming overwhelmed long enough to be able to get back home. A good one will cost about $150.
4. A Sharp Knife or Multitool. Clip that sucker to your belt in case you need to cut your anchor line, or cut off your left ankle to get free of that random bear trap someone dropped in the water two decades ago. You’re looking at less than $50 for a high-quality tool.
5. Personal locator beacon. Most boats have an EPIRB, but you can get a personal locator beacon in case that tiny boat tosses you overboard before drifting miles and miles away. A personal locator beacon will run you somewhere around $400.

Finally, if you know for  sure that you’re that disaster prone, you might consider just not going out on a boat. In some ways, it’s just tempting fate and asking for trouble.

Photo via yeowatzup

Staying safe on the water is important. Boating is usually a very safe and enjoyable summer activity, but without knowing the proper safety precautions, accidents can happen. Taking a boating safety course and practicing with an experienced boater are two ways for new boaters to learn safe habits. It is also important to make sure the boat is in good condition and you have the proper supplies available in case of an emergency.

To learn how to stay safe while boating, you need to know how to respond in any situation, what supplies you need, and what the current laws and regulations for boating are. Below is a list of resources to get you started.

1. Small Boat Marine Fist Aid Kits: Having a first aid kit on board is essential for boat safety; this is what to include.
2. Boating Safety 101 and the 23 Deadliest Boating Accidents: Basic boating safety tips to keep everyone safe on the water.
3. Boating Safety Tips for the Spring and Summer: Advice for staying safe while sailing in the spring and summer.
4. New Florida Boating Safety Law Aims to Prevent Accidents Involving Young Operators: Information on the latest regulations to keep boaters safe.
5. Do You Know How to Make a Float Plan?: Creating a Float Plan should be the first safety step you make before any boating trip.
6. Florida Boating Safety: Tips to Keep in Mind: Tips for staying safe while boating in Florida or elsewhere.
7. Boating Safety Tips for Summer: How to stay safe on the water this summer.
8. Pontoon Boat Safety Tips: Advice for staying safe while operating a pontoon, or party boat.
9. Boat Safety Tips you Should Know: Some of the best tips for boating safety.
10. Real Life Paddling Safety Precautions: How to stay safe while kayaking.
11. Kids, canoes and Safety: A man talks about the steps he took to make sure his family boating trip was a success.
12. In Florida, Boating Safety is Not Optional: Why boating safety regulations are so important.
13. Outdoor Christmas Lighting and Holiday Displays: How to safely decorate your boat for the holidays
14. Hunt Down Brand-New Lifejackets for Leisure Water Sports: New lifejackets are the best way to assure that your personal flotation device won’t fail when you need it most.
15. Boating Safety Basics Update: Boating safety basic and innovations to make staying safe easier.
16. Practice Safe and Responsible Boating: Advice on boating safety for fishers.
17. Going Boating? A Crew Safety Briefing Could Save Lives: Explains the importance of making boat safety a group priority before leaving land.
18. Paddle Craft Safety: Advice from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary on boating safety.
19. Safety on the Water: Safety advice for first time boat owners.
20. What is the Secret to Safe Sailing in Heavy Weather?: How to stay safe on a boat in potentially dangerous weather conditions.
21. Boat Rentals: A Summer of Fun and Safety: Why it is important to take an introductory boating safety course, even if you will only be renting a boat.
22. Why Washington’s Waters are So Deadly: How to survive a fall into icy water, in Washington or other cold water states.
23. The Basics of Rafting: Rafting Gear and Tips: Staying safe while on a rafting adventure through the use of proper techniques and the correct supplies.
24. Memorial Day Water Safety Tips: Water safety tips for boating, swimming and other water activities from the American Red Cross.
25. Taking the Whole Family on a House Boating Vacation: Safety tips for taking a family vacation on a house boat.
26. Dana Sturn on Boat Safety and… Splash: How to safely exit a boat or other watercraft.
27. Eight Ways to Stay Safe in Outdoor Water Sports: Safety tips for any outdoor water activities, including boating.
28. The Significance of Marine Safety Tools: Why the tools and equipment you select for your boat matters.
29. Buy a Boat and Learn to Sail: Steps for learning how to safely use a sail boat.
30. Boating and Drinking Don’t Mix: A warning about the dangers of drinking alcohol while boating.
31. Yachtpals: US Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats- US requirements for operation listed by boat type.
32. Eight Incredible Survival Stories: Eight stories about sailors who survived because they knew boating safety skills.
33. Sailing Safely By the Sea: Safety advice for yacht boating trips.
34. Surviving Heavy Weather on a Rowboat: Explains the secret to surviving a rough storm if you are stuck on a rowboat or other small water vessel.
35. Make Sure You Can Get Back in the Boat: Advice on how to get back into a boat after it has capsized, and how to retrieve a passenger who has fallen overboard.
36. Baby on Board a Boat: A family talks about how they kept their young child safe while living on a boat.
37. Boat Safety Kits: What to bring along on a boating trip.
38. What Should be in Your Small Boat Marine Tool Kit: Advice on picking the best tools, and tool box, for your small boat tool kit.
39. In the Same Boat: A story highlighting the importance of having a first aid kit along for any boating trip, and a list of what the kit should have.
40. Stay Safe on the Water: Tips for staying safe on the water, whether you’re boating or swimming.
41. Riding out the Storm: How to survive a storm at sea.
42. Boating Safety: Safety checklists and additional tips for staying safe on the water.
43. Boat Checklist: A checklist to follow before every boat outing.
44. Sailing Equipment Tips: Equipment problems many boaters face, and how to avoid them.
45. Boat Check Tips from Wappapello Corps: Advice on what to check before using your boat for the first time each season and any time you go out on the water.
46. Boat Responsibly: Small Boat Safety Tips: An explanation of the most common small boat accidents, and how to avoid them.
47. Boat Trailer Tips: How to safely hitch, load and unload a boat trailer.
48. Fins, Furs and Feathers: Safety tips for waterfowl hunters, including how to stay safe while boating.

Just about any boating accident is going to result with you in the water, doing your best to survive. Unless you’re within a few hundred feet of shore, your chances of survival after a boating accident without a life jacket are relatively small.

Part of the reason for this survivability issue is that when you fall out of a boat, you’re likely to sustains some injury or another. This may hamper your ability to swim or even tread water. If you’re ejected from a boat without a life jacket, you have to depend on a quick rescue just to make it  back to shore alive.

Here are some basic boating statistics from 2006 that may interest you:

• In that year, there were 4,967 reported boating accidents in the United States
• Of those, 3,474 of the boaters involved needed medical attention beyond more than just basic first aid services.
• 710 recreational boaters died in 2006.
• Of those 710 boaters, 476 of the deaths were due to drowning.
• 29 of those deaths were children under the age of 12.

There are other reasons to wear a life jacket while boating. Consider the following:

• The most common types of fatal boating accidents are from capsizing and falling overboard. These two scenarios make up almost 60 percent of the boating fatalities.
• It’s estimated that 90% of victims that drown after capsizing or falling overboard would have lived if they had been wearing a life jacket.
• Skill and experience don’t prevent all boating accidents. Most boating accidents involve boaters that have as much as 100 hours of boating experience or more, and are 36 years of age or older.
• Today’s life jackets are more comfortable and lightweight than ever. Comfort is no longer an excuse not to wear a life jacket.

Photo via miserychick

Check your safety equipment

Before you ever leave home you need to check your safety equipment.  Look over life jackets to ensure they are in good condition. Do you have a way to get someone out of the water from your boat? You should also ensure that you have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on board.

Visually inspect your boat

Look your boat over both at home and just before you drop that fun toy into the water. Make sure all plugs are in their proper locations and snug. Sinking at the dock will just get you laughed at. Make sure there is no damage to the hull of your boat. Before dropping into the water, check to see that no stones have punctured you boat’s hull during travel.

Observe all posted water rules

Don’t be the jerk that is speeding along in a no wake zone. Observe the rules that are posted. You’re are going through a channel, make sure you adhere to warnings and special directions, too. Not only will this keep you from being the rumor of the town, but it will keep you from having to tell the boat insurance agent the mockery you are to the boating community.

Keep updated nautical maps

Some people just can’t stand boating on small lakes. Oh no, they want the fun of larger bodies of water. If this is you, make sure you get some up to date nautical maps. Sure, that 1970s map you have been using has your notes of great spots to hit, but nature is a funny beast. Nature likes to change it up a bit. You don’t want to be out cruising you favorite spot only to end up making a temporary home on a sandbar.

Be a considerate captain

This is one rule that should without saying. Be considerate of your fellow captains. If you are passing a slow moving boat, move further away so your wake is not so bad. Better yet, slow it down a bit and say hello. There is plenty of time to be doing mach 1 on the water. If you see trouble, slow it down and see what you can do to assist. You might have a cell phone and the people in trouble might need 911.

These items might all seem small and obvious, but they make for a great time on the water for all. Ensuring the safety of everyone on your boat will make things smoother for you, and keep you away from the boat insurance office filing a claim.

Photo via armyengineersnorfolk