The arrival of the warmer months means that more and more people are getting their boats out of winter storage and getting them back in the water. Though it can be exciting to get back out on the lake or whatever body of water you choose, it’s also important to keep safety in mind and make sure that you use this spring to make sure you’re well-prepared for a safe and fun summer. Boating accidents can cause severe injuries and lead to personal injury lawsuits and settlements. Here’s a three-part boater safety checklist to go over before you even get in the water.
1. Make sure your boat is in good shape.
The first thing you need to do is make sure that your boat is in tip top shape to go in the water and runs and functions just as it should. The number one cause of boating accidents is alcohol, but boats that are in disrepair could malfunction and cause an accident. Make sure that everything is in working order before you take it out on the water.
2. Take a safety course refresher.
Springtime is also a good time to take a refresher safety course — even for seasoned boaters. It’s easy to think you remember everything about driving and maneuvering a boat, but many boating accidents can be avoided simply by being more aware of safety precautions and common mistakes. There are a number of different safety courses that are offered in the spring, so sign up for one just to make sure you’re on track.
3. Follow boat traffic laws.
There are laws that dictate how a boat can be driven on water, just as there are laws that guide us on how to drive on the roads. It’s important to have a clear idea of what the rules and regulations are that boaters have to follow when they’re in a body of water, since they can vary by area, and one boater not following the rules can be very dangerous.
Do you have any safety tips for boaters? Feel free to share them with us in the comments section below!
