For many of us, warmer temperatures mean boating season has arrived. But before you board your vessel, it’s important to review the basics of safe boating. No matter how experienced a mariner you are, knowing safety procedures and rules before departure can prevent putting you and your crew at risk and ensure a fine day on the water.  

Safety Tips

Here are our top 10 tips for boating safety, courtesy of Discover Boating:

1. Be Weather-Wise — Always check local weather conditions before departure.TV and radio forecasts can be a good source of information. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water.

2. Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist — Proper boating safety includes being prepared for any possibility on the water. Following a pre-departure checklist is the best way to make sure no boating safety rules or precautions have been overlooked or forgotten.

3. Use Common Sense — One of the most important parts of boating safety is to use your common sense. This means operating at a safe speed at all times (especially in crowded areas), staying alert and steering clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn. Also, be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, all of which have been placed there to ensure your safety.

4. Designate an Assistant Skipper — Make sure more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat’s handling, operations, and general boating safety. If the primary navigator is injured or incapacitated in any way, it’s important to make sure someone else can follow proper boating safety rules to get everyone else back to shore.

5. Develop a Float Plan — Whether you choose to inform a family member or staff at your local marina, always be sure to let someone else know your travel itinerary. This should include where you’re going and how long you’re going to be gone.

A float plan can include the following information: name, address, and phone number of trip leader, names and phone numbers of all passengers, boat type and registration information, trip itinerary, types of communication and signal equipment onboard, such as an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).

6. Make Proper Use of Lifejackets — Did you know that the majority of drowning victims are the result of boaters not wearing their lifejackets? Make sure that your family and friends aren’t part of this statistic by assigning and fitting each member of your onboard team with a life jacket before departure. Wear it!

7. Avoid Alcohol – Practice boating safety at all times by saving the alcohol for later. It is never advisable to operate machinery under the influence and the effects of alcohol are exacerbated by sun and wind. Research has shown that the probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved.

8. Learn to Swim – If you’re going to be in and around the water, proper boating safety includes knowing how to swim. Local organizations, such as the American Red Cross and others, offer training for all ages and abilities. Check to see what classes are offered in your area.

9. Take a Boating Course – Beginning boaters and experienced experts alike need to be familiar with the boating safety rules of operation. Boater education requirements vary by state; however, some require validated completion of at least one boating safety course. Regardless of your individual state’s requirements, it’s always important to be educated and prepared for every circumstance that might arise. You can learn boating safety rules by taking a local community course or online course to help educate yourself.

10. Consider a Free Vessel Safety Check – Take advantage of a free vessel safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard. They offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. Free of charge, they’ll provide a specialist to check out your boat and make helpful boating safety tips and recommendations. They also offer virtual online safety checks.

Visit the Coast Guard website for additional helpful resources on boating safety and don’t hesitate to contact TSS at info@tss-safety.com with any boating safety questions.