Avoid Boater Mishaps | Boater Safety Tips from Boatmasters
Photos: Boater Mishaps from the NYBoatingSafety.com website
Your friends at Boatmasters want you to be safe on the water!
Is your boat ready for the water? Here are a few things to think about before launching:
1) Share your float plan with a friend or relative. Be sure to include your destination and expected time of return.
2) Check fuel levels and add as necessary.
3) Check your engine. Bring it in to Boatmasters for a checkup, or check a few easy things yourself. Check the fuel system for leaks or heavy gas odor. Excessive fuel vapors from the engine can be a sign of a serious problem.
4) Ensure all lights are functioning and in place. Remember, you are required to have active lights when running at dawn or dusk.
5) Check for any electrical issues such as loose, disconnected or corroded conductors.
6) Test radio/communications devices. Nobody needs to be stranded on the water with a broken radio.
7) Attach your boat and vehicle keys to a floating bobber. Ever have to paddle your bass boat back to the dock? Losing your keys over the side in the Delta is just .... bad.
8) Check the local weather, sea reports and boating forecasts. As the operator of the boat, you have a responsibility to pay attention to the weather and should not head out if adverse conditions are expected.
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