Whether you’re heading into the deep waters of the ocean or just sailing around a pretty lake for the kids, it’s important that you take precautions when traveling on the water. The last thing you want is your three-year-old having a medical emergency while you’re miles from civilization! If you’re ready to improve your boating safety, here are just four tips for a safer trip.
1. Plan Ahead
It may sound obvious, but this is the top reason people get caught in storms or cut off from the coast. They didn’t plan ahead! They didn’t check the weather before heading out on the river; they didn’t replace the batteries in their radio after a long winter. These are obvious, simple actions that may save your life some day, so don’t brush them off.
2. Prepare Your Emergency Supplies
Do you have personal flotation devices (PFDs) aboard your watercraft? Is your first-aid kit stocked and ready to go? If the answer to either of these questions is negative, it’s time to get your head out of the clouds and onto the dock. You never know when you’ll face a dangerous situation on the water, so it’s crucial that your emergency supplies are always on hand.
3. Buy a Boat Lift
Boat lifts, also called boat hoists, are a way to protect your watercraft while docked. They lift and hold your boat out of the water, preventing things like rust, erosion and salt water damage, and this in turn will keep your boat running longer and more securely. Boat lifts aren’t cheap, but they’re worth the expense to keep your passengers safe.
4. Pay Attention to the Water
This may sound like another no-brainer, but you’d be surprised by how many people cry “I didn’t even see him there!” or “I didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to go past the rocks!” after an accident. Watch out for people and objects in the waves, and keep in mind that things like buoys have been placed in the water for your own protection. It isn’t a good idea to ignore or sneak around safety precautions that have been left for you by the coast guard.
These are just a few things to keep in mind the next time you’re out on the water with your family. Safety isn’t always easy and convenient, but it’s worth it for your peace of mind as a parent.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
February 2, 2016 at 8:53 pmThanks for the great tips. We don’t go out on boats often, but it’s definitely better to be prepared before you go.
Jeanette says
February 3, 2016 at 12:33 amWater safety is the only way to go! I also made sure before we did too much around water he knows how to swim well enough to get out if he falls in.
Cari B says
February 3, 2016 at 8:33 amThank you for the tips. We are often on the water, and see people having a difficult time. This should be a big help to those that need it and a nice reminder for me as well!
Jeni Hawkins says
February 3, 2016 at 9:02 amWow – I never would have considered some of this stuff! Thanks so much!
coolchillmom says
February 3, 2016 at 9:17 amWe get fined if we don’t have our life jackets on board, so that is a good reminder never to leave them behind. Paying attention to the water is important too
rizza says
February 3, 2016 at 9:19 amI don’t like water travel.. I’m always nauseated. When it comes to water safety though, I do the same as your list here.
Liz Mays says
February 3, 2016 at 9:32 amThese are great tips to keep in mind. Safety would definitely be my number one priority when heading out on the water.
Elizabeth O. says
February 3, 2016 at 9:56 amThose are good tips! It’s better to be safe than sorry especially when you’re at the sea!
Travel Blogger says
February 3, 2016 at 10:59 amGreat tips! We own a boat, and every summer I am surprised by the random things that pop up that we didn’t plan for. Always think ahead!
MyTeenGuide says
February 3, 2016 at 4:29 pmThese are great tips. We seldom go on boats. I will bookmark this for future reference.
Tatanisha Pitts-Worthey says
February 3, 2016 at 6:08 pmGreat safety tips! Life vests would be good too! It is always important to keep children safe.
Ron Leyba says
February 3, 2016 at 10:25 pmGreat tips. Will always keep them in mind. For sure this can save a lot of lives too!
Chantal says
February 3, 2016 at 11:41 pmI love spending time on the water – it is so relaxing. These are great tips for a day out, especially with kids.
tina says
February 4, 2016 at 3:30 amWe live on a lake during the summer and I can’t say enough about how important water safety is. Thanks so much for posting this!
Melissa Bernardo says
February 4, 2016 at 3:44 amThese are great tips. Thank you for sharing them. I will have to remember them for summer time trips.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
February 4, 2016 at 8:30 amThanks for these tips. We must always practice safety regardless of where we are, be it on a boat, or swimming or just on the road.
mya.k says
February 4, 2016 at 9:40 amThese are some really good tips to tack in and use. Thank you for sharing them with me.
Rosey says
February 5, 2016 at 5:33 amSafety first is very important. That is especially true if it’s on the water!
Camesha | Mama Motivator says
February 5, 2016 at 1:07 pmThese are great tips! We are working with our kids on water safety!
Coralie says
February 6, 2016 at 1:53 pmThese are great tips! We have four kids and love to go on the water but you always have to be careful – water can be dangerous.