Play it Safe
Yellow, kiddos. Now, I don’t mean to be a wet blanket. But I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t remind all you skippers that boating isn’t all just fun and games. If you want to stay safe this summer, make sure not to pull any dumb stunts.
• Watch the weather. When wind picks up or lightening flashes, there could be a storm on the way. Make sure you’re tuned in to the weather before you hop on your boat. It’s also a good idea to bring a portable radio so you can stay on top of things.
• Gear up. Make sure you’ve got all your goods in order and on board. For starters, you’ll need:
• Gear up. Make sure you’ve got all your goods in order and on board. For starters, you’ll need:
• A flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Matches
• A map of where you are
• Flares
• Sunscreen
• A first aid kit
• Extra sunglasses
Store everything in a watertight pouch or a container that floats.
• Keep ‘em in the know. Tell someone where you're going and how long you’ll be gone. Also, make sure you tell them who’s traveling with you.
• Extra batteries
• Matches
• A map of where you are
• Flares
• Sunscreen
• A first aid kit
• Extra sunglasses
Store everything in a watertight pouch or a container that floats.
• Keep ‘em in the know. Tell someone where you're going and how long you’ll be gone. Also, make sure you tell them who’s traveling with you.
• Look before you leap. Make sure your boat’s ship-shape before you ship out. Before you leave, make sure to check your:
• Equipment
• Boat balance
• Engine
• Fuel supply
• Equipment
• Boat balance
• Engine
• Fuel supply
• Exercise your noggin. Don’t speed in crowded areas. Don’t sleep at the wheel. Don’t try to pop a wheelie. Seems obvious, but often it’s not. Using your common sense is one of the most important parts of boating safety.
• Hire a first mate. Things happen. If you find yourself unable to steer your skiff, you’ll need a smart sidekick who is knowledgeable enough to take the reigns.
• Buckle up. Most of the people who drown do so because they were in a boating accident and weren’t wearing their life jackets. Treat your life vest like your seatbelt.
