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SavvyBoater Top 10 Safety List

By: Emily5 Priebe5

SavvyBoater Top 10 Safety List
By Emily Priebe, SavvyBoater.com Staff

Summer brings great weather which means an increase in recreational boating activity. Savvy Boater has compiled a list of our top ten boating safety tips to help keep you out of harm’s way out on the water:

10. Always wear a lifejacket when boating. You should make sure that there are enough personal flotation devices (PFDs) readily accessible on your boat for everyone out on the water with you. PFDs must be Coast Guard approved, in good and serviceable condition, and the appropriate size for the intended user. Check with you state boating safety officials and the Coast Guard for full regulations.

9. Never drink alcohol while boating. Alcohol can greatly increase your risk of a boating fatality. Leave alcohol on land to stay safe on the water.

8. Make sure you understand and obey boating safety recommendations and navigational rules. This will reduce your risk of a boating accident if you practice the rules and recommendations without fail.

7. In case of an emergency you should carry visual distress signals on your boat. The U.S. Coast Guard mandates that all boats being used on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas and the waters connected to them, up to a point where a body of water is less than two miles wide must be equipped with Coast Guard approved visual distress signals. Your state may mandate additional coverage. Some common visual distress signals include pyrotechnic devices (flares and smoke), orange distress flags (for day use only), and electric distress lights. Check with Coast Guard regulations for what your boat should be equipped with.

6. In addition to visual distress signals, you should carry an appropriate audible signal device onboard. Recreational boats are required to send sound signals during periods of reduced visibility. Navigation rules require audible signal devices under certain circumstances such as meeting, crossing, and overtaking.

5. Be prepared against potential fire hazards from the motor or the fuel system by carrying a Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher on your boat. These fire extinguishers should be hand portable, have a B-I or B-II classification, and come equipped with a specific marine type mounting bracket. The fire extinguisher should be mounted somewhere readily accessible and away from the galley or the engine where a fire is more likely to start.

4. If your boat uses gasoline for electrical generation, mechanical power, or propulsion, then you need a ventilation system. Depending on your boat, you’ll either need a natural ventilation system (a supply opening or an exhaust opening) or a powered ventilation system. Check with the Coast Guard for information on your boat.

3. In order to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, carry a carbon monoxide detector. The gas, which is odorless and colorless, can kill in minutes. This is particularly important if your boat has a cabin or other enclosed spaces where carbon monoxide can collect.

2. Always check the weather forecast before you head out on the water. Calm seas can turn into rough waters. Listen carefully to all weather and storm advisories. Your life raft should be checked annually to make sure it’s in good working condition. Carry distress signals with you at all times.

1. Always tell a friend or family member your trip plans. They should know where you are heading and when you should be expected back. If something happens while out on the water, it will be easier for officials to be notified if you don’t return when you were expected.

Savvy Boater wants you to have a fun and safe boating experience. Make sure that you are in compliance with Coast Guard regulations to avoid a ticket, or worse, to be unprepared in case of an emergency.

Article Source: http://www.articles4meandu.com

Emily Priebe is author of this article on boat safety. Find more information about marine coolers here.

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