Boating Safety Tips
When those hot Florida summers enter full swing, nothing beats relaxing on the deck of your very own boat. Whether you’re going fishing, swimming, wakeboarding, or simply enjoying a pleasure cruise, you’ll need to follow some basic precautions to keep you and your passengers safe on the water. Read on for a crash course on boat safety!
Looking for a trustworthy boat dealer in Alachua, FL? Look no further than Polaris of Gainesville. We’re proud to offer great deals on a wide variety of boats to our community, along with our neighbors in Gainesville, Lake City, and St. Augustine, FL.
Be Prepared!
A little advance planning can save you a lot of stress when preparing for a boating adventure. Start with a checklist of safety procedures and a packing list. If you’ll be carrying passengers, assign at least one “assistant” in case you become indisposed. Show your assistant how to operate your boat and instruct them to pilot back to shore in an emergency. All your passengers should have some basic swimming skills, or at least have the ability to stay afloat in the event that anyone goes overboard.
You should also have an emergency contact back on dry land who’s aware of your route and schedule. This can be your point person in case you become stranded without any means of calling for help.
Obey the Law
Boating regulations vary by region, so be sure to read up on the local laws at your destination. Take note of any specific rules regarding right-of-way, age restrictions, life jackets, and towing, as well as any licensing and insurance requirements.
Florida does not have an official boating license. However, the state does require a Boating Safety ID Card for speedboat operators born after 1988. This card can be obtained after completing a boating safety course, and is valid for life.
Check the Weather
Keep a close eye on the weather forecast in the days leading up to your voyage. Weather forecasts can change on a dime, especially during hurricane season here in Florida, so it pays to stay vigilant. You can’t control the weather, but you can prepare for it. Cloudy skies and light rain need not deter you, but if a storm is predicted, you’re better off rescheduling your voyage for next weekend. Already on the water when a storm hits? Drop what you’re doing and head straight back to shore.
Maintain Your Boat
Keep your boat in peak condition by staying on top of regular maintenance tasks. Your fuel, oil, and coolant tanks should be full and clean before your departure. If you’re in a powered boat, or a boat with liquid propane, make sure that the interior is well ventilated. If you smell fuel, run the blowers for several minutes to clear the smell before restarting. If the fuel smell persists, shut off your engine and locate the leak.
Check that your bilges are dry, and the pumps are not running excessively. Clean any spilled waste in bilges to prevent overboard discharge.
Keep spare batteries on hand for your flashlights, handheld radios, and other battery-powered devices, and be sure to charge any rechargeable batteries before departure.
Be sure to bring all the necessary anchoring and docking equipment, including adequate dock lines, and check that your lines are in good condition. It’s also important to have your boat’s papers handy, and a chart of the area.
Gear Up for Safety
Lifejackets, also known as Personal Flotation Devices or PFDs, are probably the most important pieces of safety gear on a boat. There should be a PFD on board for every passenger, and children should wear their lifejackets at all times. PFDs are a necessity even for strong swimmers - it can be difficult to climb back aboard a boat, especially in a moment of panic, and there’s always a risk of being pulled under.
Use Common Sense!
You should never drink alcohol while operating your boat. Just like drinking and driving, alcohol will impair your judgment and focus, increasing the chances of an accident. On top of that, alcohol reduces blood flow to your extremities, making you more susceptible to hypothermia should you end up in cold water.
Similarly, you shouldn’t operate your boat under the influence of any medications that can cause drowsiness or dizziness, such as prescription painkillers. If your prescription label warns against operating heavy machinery, that includes your boat!
When passing other vessels, steer to the right and give them plenty of space, and keep an eye out for swimmers and water skiers. When loading and unloading at a crowded dock, hang back and wait your turn. Steer clear of shallow water and debris that could run your boat aground. In the event of an accident or emergency, stop your engine and signal for help.
Are you ready to put these safety tips to good use? The friendly staff at Polaris of Gainesville can help you find the perfect watercraft for all your upcoming adventures. Come visit us in Alachua, FL, to check out our wide selection of boats for sale. We also have an expert service department for all your boat repair needs!