How to Stay Safe While Boating

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Be prepared: In most jurisdictions every vessel

   Be sure to have on hand one approved life preserver of sufficient size for every person on board and other floating devices.
   
   If you are going to be out in the boat after dark, make sure that your lights are working.
   
   You should carry a flare gun for any emergencies, carry a container to bail water, if the boat should spring a leak.
   
   Experienced boaters carry a wax toilet seal aboard at all times.
   
   In the event the hull is holed, form the wax seal into a ball and ram it into the hull from the outside.
   
   Simply smooth the wax from the inside to hold it in place.
   
   This will usually stem the water ingress until you can make port.
   
   If your boat has an engine and a cooking appliance, fire extinguishers are usually required.
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   Step 2: regardless of length must have at least a minimum amount of safety equipment aboard at all times.

   , Wake/wave action have been known to swamp small craft. ,,,,, Therefore, it is wise to have on hand a large stick or a boat paddle in order to do that; thus you can push your boat off without getting out of the boat.
   
   Your anchor and rode can also be used.
   
   Simply take the anchor and rode (Don't forget to tie it to a bow cleat) out on a lifejacket as far as you can.
   
   Haul in on the rode and your boat should come free. , Take a VHF radio and/or cell phone if possible. ,, Fish hooks can be very dangerous. , Therefore, it is best to stay out of waters that have a lot of seaweed. , If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds, or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by heading for port as soon as possible.
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   Step 3: Be a prudent skipper: Do not take a boat out on a day that is too windy or when the waters are too choppy or rough.

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   Step 4: Avoid sailing in channels or waters where there are lots of barges

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   Step 5: tugboats

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   Step 6: and especially speedboats.

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   Step 7: Anchor: Be sure that the anchor (and line/rode) that you have is of sufficient size and length to accommodate the size of your boat

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   Step 8: or it could be dragged.

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   Step 9: Drive a speedboat at a safe speed so that you can control the boat.

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    Step 10: Stay Out: Do not take a boat in to places that are too swampy

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    Step 11: especially if you see tree stumps sticking up out of the water

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    Step 12: such as in coves or where the lake branches off.

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    Step 13: Stay Clear: Do not take your boat into water that is too shallow for the draft of your boat.

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    Step 14: If your boat has run aground

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    Step 15: you'll need to be able to get the boat floating again.

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    Step 16: Tell someone: Be sure to let someone know if you plan to go boating alone

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    Step 17: and let them know of your whereabouts.

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    Step 18: Stay Alert:Look out for people that are fishing

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    Step 19: speedboats that are pulling water-skiers or tubes and swimmers.

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    Step 20: Boating and Fishing: If you do some fishing on your boating trip

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    Step 21: be careful when casting your line...especially with others on board.

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    Step 22: Be aware: Seaweed

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    Step 23: rope or fishing line can get wrapped up and around your boat propeller.

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    Step 24: Be Weather-wise:Always check local weather conditions for boating safety before departure- TV and radio forecasts can be a good source of information.

Detailed Guide

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