Boating Safety Tips
As summer kicks into gear, many people enjoy time with friends and family while boating on a nearby lake. In order to have a fun and safe summer season, read the following boating safety tips!
1. Check the Weather Before You Get on the Lake
Turn on The Weather Channel or get online and check the weather at your lake before getting into the water. If the forecast is favorable, but you notice darkening clouds and changing temperatures, play it safe by getting heading to the nearest marina.
2. Go Over a Checklist Before Entering the Water
Do you have gas in your tank? Is there a life jacket for everyone? You should be asking yourself these questions before you head out on the lake. Following a pre-departure checklist and making sure you are complying with local rules and regulations. This is one of the best ways to make sure no boating safety rules or precautions have been forgotten.
3. Use Common Sense
Common sense will go a long way in terms of boating safety. Using common sense means to operate your boat at a safe speed at all times. Be alert at all times for other boaters (including inexperienced ones!). Steer your boat clear of larger vessels that have a more difficult time coming to a stop or turning. Also be on the lookout for and obey buoys and other navigational signs. These warnings have been strategically placed for your safety, so it would be a good idea to follow them whenever possible.
4. Two Boaters On Board is Better Than One Boater On Board
There should always be more than one trained boater on board. If the main boat operator is unable to drive the boat for any reason, it's important to make sure someone else can follow the proper boating safety rules to get everyone else back to shore.
5. Put On (And Keep On) Your Lifejacket
Did you know that the majority of drowning victims as the result of boating accidents were found not to be wearing a lifejacket? 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 Lifejacket-prior to departure.
6. Don't Drink and Boat
Drink on shore, not on the boat. One-third of all boating fatalities are alcohol-related. Just like in automobiles, it is illegal under Indiana law to operate a boat, or to allow others to do so, while under the influence of alcohol. Finally, studies have shown that the affects of alcohol are enhanced by external effects such as sun and wind on the human body.
7. Take a Boating Course
First-time and experienced boaters alike should be familiar with boating safety rules. It's always important to be knowledgeable, aware and prepared for every circumstance that might arise while on a boat. Learn almost everything there is about boating safety rules by taking a local Indiana boating safety course!
Contact an Indiana Injury Lawyer at Jacobs Law.
