Watercraft safety is an issue that all should be aware of and knowledgeable about. It doesn't matter whether the watercraft is an 90 foot car ferry or an 8 foot canoe, watercraft safety is critically important. If you intend to use a watercraft you owe it to yourself and your family to educate yourself about water safety.
The most important element in water safety is the availability and correct usage of a life jacket. There must be one life jacket per person on all watercraft. On smaller watercraft, everyone should wear a life jacket at all times, these types of water craft include sailboats, canoes, kayaks, Seadoos, motor boats, etc. On larger boats such as cruise ships or ferries it is not so important to wear your life jacket at all times. In those cases it is important that you know where to find a life jacket if one is needed.
The next most important issue to keep in mind when using a watercraft is to be sober. Never operate a watercraft if you are under the influence of alcohol. Also, never allow yourself to travel in a watercraft if you suspect the driver might have been drinking or is otherwise under the influence of some substance.
Another way that you can improve the security of your time on the water is to make sure that whenever you go out for a trip, whether it is long or quick, make sure that you tell someone about your plan - where you're planning to go, how long you'll be gone, when you are leaving and when you should be back. That way you will know that if you get in trouble or stranded, that someone will be able to come and rescue you or send help as soon as possible. If you don't always tell someone where you're going, then it may be a while before they think you are actually missing, and even then they may not know where to look for you.
The law requires that a number of items be always carried on certain watercraft. These items include such things as a light, a whistle or other noise maker, and a bailer. For a full list of the legal requirement contact the coast guard. In addition to these items I recommend that you bring some fresh water, a sun hat, sun screen, and depending upon the duration of the trip some food. It is always better to be safe than to be sorry.
Boating is an activity that many people enjoy as a major part of their summer vacation or leisure time. Make sure that you keep yourself and your friends and family safe by following all the boating safety rules and tips, and educating your children early on the rules and procedures for keeping safe while enjoying boating.
The most important element in water safety is the availability and correct usage of a life jacket. There must be one life jacket per person on all watercraft. On smaller watercraft, everyone should wear a life jacket at all times, these types of water craft include sailboats, canoes, kayaks, Seadoos, motor boats, etc. On larger boats such as cruise ships or ferries it is not so important to wear your life jacket at all times. In those cases it is important that you know where to find a life jacket if one is needed.
The next most important issue to keep in mind when using a watercraft is to be sober. Never operate a watercraft if you are under the influence of alcohol. Also, never allow yourself to travel in a watercraft if you suspect the driver might have been drinking or is otherwise under the influence of some substance.
Another way that you can improve the security of your time on the water is to make sure that whenever you go out for a trip, whether it is long or quick, make sure that you tell someone about your plan - where you're planning to go, how long you'll be gone, when you are leaving and when you should be back. That way you will know that if you get in trouble or stranded, that someone will be able to come and rescue you or send help as soon as possible. If you don't always tell someone where you're going, then it may be a while before they think you are actually missing, and even then they may not know where to look for you.
The law requires that a number of items be always carried on certain watercraft. These items include such things as a light, a whistle or other noise maker, and a bailer. For a full list of the legal requirement contact the coast guard. In addition to these items I recommend that you bring some fresh water, a sun hat, sun screen, and depending upon the duration of the trip some food. It is always better to be safe than to be sorry.
Boating is an activity that many people enjoy as a major part of their summer vacation or leisure time. Make sure that you keep yourself and your friends and family safe by following all the boating safety rules and tips, and educating your children early on the rules and procedures for keeping safe while enjoying boating.
About the Author:
If you would like to read more about personal watercrafts, visit this site, or look for more of my articles on seadoos and boating.
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