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Be Smart and Safe on the Water

By: Celeste Izon It seems as though humans are naturally water creatures at heart. We migrate south in winter to warm ourselves in the ocean tide, and then head north to the cool lakes in summer. Water is good for our bodies, our souls and our spirits.

Boating provides fun and exhilarating sport, and it can be a relaxing hobby. Whether you're speeding along with the surf slapping wildly at the helm, or floating lazily on an inflatable raft, the water provides a beautiful and fascinating place to set yourself free. Water can be fun, and relaxing, but it also commands your utmost respect. Water sports can be extremely dangerous, and practicing boat safety is paramount.

Wear a Floatation Device

All smart boaters prepare themselves for the unexpected. Weather can quickly turn ugly, causing high waves and blinding precipitation. Collisions and capsizes have brought countless boating trips to abrupt ends, even for the most experience boaters. Don't think that you're invincible. Everyone on the boat, even strong swimmers, must wear a floatation device. Small and young children are particularly at risk or injury or drowning. It's not just a smart thing to do; in many places, everyone in a boat is required by law to wear a personal floatation device.

Set a Course for Safety

Whether you're a nautical novice or an experience boater, it's a good idea to take a boating safety course. Free courses are available in many areas, and lessons can be completed in just a day or two. Sign yourself up, and your entire family. No child is too young to appreciate the dangers of the water, and learn how to stay safe. Check online if you have trouble finding a boating course. The Internet can be the best way to find information on available programs.

Keep Booze off the Boat

Operating watercraft takes keen sense and, sometimes, rapid reflexes. Using drugs or alcohol will impair your judgment and slow your reflexes. Even prescription drugs can take a dangerous toll on your boat safety. In most areas, the impairment laws imposed upon automobile drivers affect watercraft drivers in the same capacity. Your craft and someone's life can be at stake if you use alcohol or drugs on the water.

Use Common Sense

Boat safety is based on sensibility. Know your limits, and make sure you're able to make smart, split-second decisions. Know what to do if another boat suddenly veers toward you, or if your buddy bails off of his water skis and slips from your line of sight. When you're on the water, you may be called upon to make sound judgment calls. Understand your options in any given situation, and know how to take the best ones.

Be Respectful

You expect other boaters to respect you, and you must do the same for them. Give others plenty of room to share the waters. Make it easy for other boaters to see you, day and night. Mind the local water rules and regulations, including the speed limit. Remember to have respect for your passengers and yourself. Showing off is no excuse for poor respect and dangerous behavior.

Boat Maintenance

A poorly maintained boat is an accident waiting to happen. Check your craft often to ensure that all components are in safe working order and adhere to boat safety requirements. You keep a maintenance record for your car, and should do the same for your craft. Your boat and motor should be regularly maintained, and you must know how to perform emergency repairs if you have an accident or breakdown on the water.

Boating can mean anything from a fun kayaking trip, to an exhilarating afternoon of extreme water skiing, to a relaxing afternoon of fishing. However you choose to spend your time on the water, just remember to make boat safety your first priority.