10 Florida Boating Safety Tips

admin March 29, 2014Boating Tips

Boating Safety Matters

Obeying common boat safety tips will keep you safe

It is important to observe certain rules of safety and common courtesy when operating your boat, both for your security and enjoyment and the security and enjoyment of others. Follow these tips, many of which are found here too, to make sure you’re enjoying boating the right way.

1. Keep life jackets. Of course, one of the basic necessities of owning a boat is keeping life jackets onboard. Make sure you have plenty of life jackets—at minimum, you should have one for every person onboard. Note that adult-size life jackets will not work for children, as they are too big (remember, a life jacket must fit snugly!). You can either order a few child-sized life jackets or special life jackets which can be adjusted in size to the wearer.
2. Wear life jackets while on deck!  It is tempting to enjoy the sun on-deck without a life jacket, as life jackets can be bulky and uncomfortable. However, it is very important to wear your life jacket at all times! In the case of an emergency, no one should have to waste precious time trying to fit themselves with a life jacket.
3. Make a checklist of safety items. In addition to life jackets, there are other safety items you should always keep onboard, including fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, a radio, a first-aid kit, and spare fuel.
4. Create a kit of emergency supplies. You should also create an emergency kit to keep on board. This kit should include items which are extremely useful in emergencies, such as flashlights, non-perishable food, spare blankets, extra clothes, spare batteries, binoculars, and drinking water.
5. Know the rules. It’s always good to get a refresher on boating traffic laws. You can review rules online on the Florida Boating Commission website. Make sure you know, for example, right-of-way laws. When it comes to encountering other vessels, you don’t want to freeze up, not know what to do, or get caught by surprise—this is what causes collisions! Review navigation rules specifically as they apply to your type of boat.
6. Be safe at night. When navigating at night, make sure you have the appropriate lights on. The four most common navigation lights are sidelights (red and green—they are visible to other vessels approaching you side or head on), the sternlight, the masthead light (must be on at all times), and the all-round white light. 
7. Drink responsibly. If you are hosting a party or any other type of celebration onboard, or engaging in any activity that involves alcohol, precautions must be taken. It’s best if the captain of the boat doesn’t drink at all, as alcohol impairs vision and decision-making skills. In fact, 50% of all boating fatalities are alcohol related But be aware that the law classifies alcohol impairment as .10% or more blood alcohol content. To be on the safe side, designate an additional sober skipper, just in case. Better safe than sorry!
8. Mind the environment! Try not to operate in shallow water, as you risk disrupting both the environment and damaging your boat. When you dock, try not to dock or pause near reeds and grasses, as they will be damaged by your vessel.
9. Watch the waters! When boating, make sure you are courteous of others around you. You are not the only one boating. Jumping the wake of a passing boat or getting too close to another boat is prohibited, because it is dangerous
10. Keep it down!  Be aware of your noise levels—for example, avoid looping around in the same place; vary your operating area so that you don’t cause excessive noise in one spot.

Lastly, remember: be cautious, courteous, and, above all, have fun!