Safety Tips for Boating
Whether you use your boat for cruising across the waterways or for fishing adventures, boating comes with some inherent hazards that you should be aware of. The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales) wants to make sure all our customers have access to the information they need to be safe. That’s why we collected some of our most important boating safety tips here in one brief guide. Read on to learn about how to stay safe on your boat, and stop by our dealership in Branson, MO, when you need a new boat or parts and services for your current one.
Preparing for Your Boat Trip
A big part of preparation is looking at the water conditions. Experienced captains and boat pilots often spend major parts of their days studying the weather and potential future conditions. Before you head out, you’ll want to know as much as you can about whether you should expect a mild day or the potential for a storm to descend.
Boat Inspection
You should also examine your boat to make sure it’s good to go. If you’re towing your boat to the water, inspect the hull for any scratches, dents, or other damage. Inspect the propellers or jet drive of your boat as well. If your boat's propeller-powered, make sure they are clean, turn freely and free of any weeds or debris. For jet drive boats, make sure the jet spout is clear and free of any debris.
You should also take a moment to check your engine oil and make sure the engine is clean and free of noticeable damage. It can also be helpful to check any relevant electronics to make sure all systems are functioning.
Bring the Right Safety Equipment
Make sure every person on the boat should have a properly fitted life jacket. This is especially important for children who might not be strong swimmers. In addition to life jackets, you should keep at least one fire extinguisher on your boat at all times. It’s helpful to have a few different varieties of fire extinguishers, such as one meant for an electrical fire and one meant for a general engine fuel-based fire.
In addition to these basic pieces of safety equipment, your vessel should have a small survival kit in case your power goes out at sea. This can include, but certainly isn’t limited to, signal flares, a battery or crank-powered radio, space blankets, a survival knife, and a hand line for fishing. Finally, a fully stocked first-aid kit is a must-have for all boat owners.
We hope that this guide has been useful. If you’ve any questions or want to check out our selection of boats for sale, be sure to visit The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales) in Branson, Missouri. We welcome all those coming from Springfield and Branson.