These tips and tricks will keep you as safe as possible, but accidents happen. Contact our office if the unfortunate happens.
Anyone driving the boat must be familiar with the local boating laws and may require a license. A violation of these laws can result in fees, fines, and even imprisonment. For California boating laws, head on over to their boating laws and rules website.
A life jacket is one of the most critical safety items on the boat. Ensure you and everyone on board, especially children, have them on when riding the boat. It's also important to ensure the life jacket fits: A life jacket won’t do much good if it doesn’t form properly. One that is too big will make floating harder, and one that is too small could cause discomfort. Have everyone onboard try them on to find a life jacket that fits properly.
Do not exceed the listed capacity or max weight for your boat. You risk the boat capsizing or tipping over if you have too many people on it at once. National safe boating week is no fun if you capsize.
An education course in safety will provide valuable information you can take into any boating opportunity. Here's a list of approved boating safety courses in California.
Before you head out on your big adventure, check the weather. It’s dangerous to set sail in poor conditions. If the weather looks questionable, reschedule for another day.
A float plan should contain information about the boat, the trip, the people on board, communication equipment, towing items, and emergency contacts. Provide this information to someone you trust before you set sail on large journeys.
Different weather calls for different clothing. If it’s going to be hot, you might be comfortable in a bathing suit and shirt. If it’s a chilly day, opt for clothes that will keep you comfortable as you sail. Protect yourself from the weather.
Before you set sail during national safe boating week, check the boat for any prior damage that may have occurred. You don’t want to take out a severely damaged boat.
Never operate a boat if you are impaired. You are putting yourself, your passengers, and other boaters at risk.
Gasoline-powered engines produce carbon monoxide. Never block exhaust outlets or stand too close to the exhaust, as carbon monoxide poisoning can happen quickly and silently. While not always, it can be signified by a headache.
Always have a way to communicate with the mainland. Have at least two forms of communication, such as CB radio and cellular service, on your boat and ensure you know how to use them.
