Boating Safety

No matter how much experience you have, it’s always a good idea for everyone to review boating safety rules before departures. Below are boating safety tips.

1. Always check local weather conditions before departure. TV and radio forecasts can be a good source of information. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds, or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water.

2. Proper boating safety means being prepared for any possibility on the water. From compliance with fire safety regulations to tips for fueling up, following a pre-departure checklist is the best way to make sure no boating safety rules or precautions have been forgotten.

3. One of the most important parts of boating safety is to use your common sense. This means operating at a safe speed at all times, especially in crowded areas. Be alert at all times, and steer clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn. Also be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, all of which have been placed there for one reason only- to ensure your own boating safety.

4. Make sure more than only one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat’s handling, operations, and other boating safety tips. If the primary navigator is injured or incapacitated in any way, it’s important to make sure someone else can follow the proper boating safety rules to get everyone else back to shore.

5. Whether you choose to inform a family member or staff at your local marina, always be sure to let someone else know your plan. This should include where you’re going and how long you’re going to be gone. A float plan can include the following information: name, address, and phone number of trip leader; name and phone number of all passengers; boat type and registration information; trip itinerary; and types of communication and signal equipment onboard.

6. The majority of drowning victims are the result of boating accidents 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 before departure.

7. Practice boating safety at all times by saving the alcohol for later. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved, and studies have also shown that the affect of alcohol is exacerbated by external effects such as sun and wind.

8. If you’re going to be in and around the water, proper boating safety means knowing how to swim. Local organizations such as the American Red Cross and others offer training for all ages and abilities- check to see what classes are offered in your area.

9. Beginning boaters and experienced experts alike need be familiar with boating safety rules of operation. Boater education requirements vary by state, some require validated completion of at least one boating safety course. Regardless of your individual state's requirements, it's always important to be educated, aware and prepared for every circumstance that might arise. You can learn boating safety rules by taking a local community course, or there are online tutorials to help educate novice boaters.

Take advantage of a free Vessel Safety Check from the US Coast Guard. They offer boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and the Federal regulations. Free of charge, they’ll provide a specialist to check out your boat and make helpful boating safety tips and recommendations.

Pet Safety on the Water:

If you enjoy boating, you probably enjoy taking your best friends out on your boat. What if some of your best friends happen to have four legs and a tail? The following tips can help you keep your pet safe and happy while out on the water.
• Keep plenty of fresh drinking water available
• Provide a shaded area—excessive exposure to the sun can cause problems for animals.
• Protect their feet—dogs absorb heat through the pads on their feet and boat surfaces can get very hot in the sun.
• Give you pet a chance to get acquainted with the boat while it is on the trailer or at the dock
• Walk your dog so he can relieve himself before boarding; if the boat surface allows, you may wish to train him to go in a specific spot.
• Keep your first outing short, to let your dog get used to the boat’s movement.

The truth is not all dogs can swim. And not all those that can swim are great swimmers. Water or weather conditions can cause problems even for a pet that is typically a strong swimmer.

Any dog can get fatigued or disoriented. Older dogs, especially, can tire easily. Pets with low body fat can have trouble when exposed to water for long periods. Health issues, such as hip or joint problems can also make swimming difficult for some pets.
So, while there are no regulations regarding life jackets for pets, a dog life jacket can help keep your pet safe while aboard your boat or around any body of water.

Pet life jackets are designed to keep the animal afloat in a horizontal, swimming position. Another important function of a pet life jacket is as a retrieval device, should your pet fall overboard.

How do you choose a life jacket for Fido? Here are a few things to consider:
• Fit—Make sure the life jacket fits securely. It’s best to check the fit in the store, before you buy.
• Lifting handles—to make retrieving your pet safer and easier.
• Comfort—check to see where straps and buckles fall to make sure they won’t cause your pet any discomfort.
• Color—choose a bright color to make it easier to spot your dog in the water.

Give your pet a chance to get used to wearing its life jacket before actually getting on a boat. Allow your pet to practice swimming while wearing its life jacket, too.

If you find your pet enjoys boating as much as you do, a dog life jacket can provide your pet with an extra measure of safety. Your sense of caution and common sense are still your pet’s best friend. Enjoy, be safe. Woof!