A Beginner’s Guide to Boat Safety

Your boating trips should always be exciting and memorable! Whether you’re in the good company of your family or going solo on the water for some peaceful and quiet time, the one constant should be safe boating practices. Whether you’re a veteran of the water or a first-timer, you should proceed with caution and stay up-to-date on best practices. This brief guide touches on how to stay safe out on the water.

Check the Weather

A day can start out sunny and beautiful before an unpredictable shower swoops in. If you’re on a larger body of water, conditions can worsen in mere minutes, leaving you in a dangerous position. Be cautious with weather predictions and head to shore if things turn south.

Wear Lifejackets

For large yachts, you may not be compelled to wear a lifejacket without cause, but they should be readily accessible. For smaller boats, such as speedboats, you should always wear a lifejacket. Make sure that there is a lifejacket for every person on board.

Follow Best Practices on the Water

Once you’re out on the water, wear the lifejackets that you’ve brought along and keep emergency equipment in an easily accessible location. Give other boats and debris in the water lots of space, as you don’t know what’s underneath the surface. Also, don’t drink while boating, especially if you’re driving the vessel. Your judgment is impaired when you’re drinking, and one small slip over the line can result in a serious accident for you and your passengers.

We hope that these boating safety tips have been helpful. If you have any questions or need parts or services for your boat, stop by Gull Lake Marine Richland. You’ll find us conveniently located in Richland, MI, where we serve all those in Kalamazoo. Let us help you have a safe and fun adventure out on the water!