BOATING SAFETY - for Your Secured Life and Others Around You While Boating

Without following the basics of safe boat operation, how would you ever enjoy your dream boat and the natural beauty of our waters?

There is no other way than to stay healthy and alive, and by keeping your boat in a fantastic condition. Yet, many a time, boaters seem to take quite lightly to their responsibilities regarding boating safety.

Let me share a true story …

I feared the worst one breezy afternoon as I held tightly to the edge of my wooden canoe.

“Save me, Oh! God,” my friend cried as he tenaciously gripped me by the waist.

The little canoe rocked and tilted. The water kept agitating and pushed us along with great speed as if we were in a small power boat.

Some water rushed in. We started sinking.

I heard him muffle some words but was too preoccupied with my own thoughts to give his some relevance. Then the thought of him not knowing how to swim jolted me at once into action.

How would we ever make it across the murky river alive I wondered?

My failing confidence waned further on the realization that neither of us had a life jacket.

He faithfully kept his grip on my soaking wet body. But for the waves lashing on our canoe, all was silent.

“Bail the water,” I yelled, pointing my finger to a bowl by his side.

“Look, they are coming again!” he shouted.

What a miracle, I thought, on sighting the inflatable boat racing back towards us. The operator must have sensed our dire predicament, I reasoned.

This time, however, the boat slowed down almost to a halt before she got close to us.

“I am very sorry,” the operator said as he assisted us to safety. “I never knew that I created such an excessive wake behind.”

“Really?” I responded.

Now he really appeared concerned. I could see honesty and innocence in his blue eyes. And I marveled at how he quickly took responsibility for his action.

I realized as we made for the shore that as an operator or owner of any boat, I am responsible not only for the prudent and safe operation of my craft, but for the lives and safety of my passengers, other boat users and myself. It is necessary that as a boater, you comply with common etiquette in respect to boating safety. You should endeavor to familiarize yourself with all Federal, State, and Local rules and regulations as they pertain to your particular area of operation.

Breaking some of these laws and regulations can lead to you being fined, your license being revoked, or you even going to jail. Your own security and that of your boat are most important. Utmost precaution is necessary for you to ensure your own boating safety.

Are you already wondering at the huge amount of responsibility you have as a boater?

Oh! You need not get worried.

Everything can be attended to quite easily. You will soon see how much fun it is for you to take control of your own boating safety.

It is true that the regulations and laws guiding boating vary with different countries, states, and even localities. It therefore behooves you to check with the appropriate local authorities in the areas of your operation concerning the State and Local regulations and laws on boating.

When you want to move your boat to another State during a boating trip, you should endeavor to check on the regulations guiding boating in that State. This also includes regulations on towing your boat with a trailer.

Rest assured I will endeavor to ensure that you have an easy way of understanding your responsibilities to yourself and others around you as you own and enjoy your dream boat.

Boat Safety Course Taking a course on boating safety is the first step of your ensuring your personal safety and that of others around you.

Environmental Responsibility Can boating ever be great fun in an unhealthy environment?

Before Setting Off Okay. You are now ready to leave for the trip. Wait. Have you …

Before Starting the Engine Yes, there are certain things you must attend to before ever starting the engine.

Safe Afloat For you to fully enjoy the freedom and wonder of a boating adventure, you must truly feel safe. You have to ensure certain activities are met. It is only when you’ve taken all the necessary precautions to ensure your safety while afloat that you would heartily feel safe and enjoy the thrills of floating and the gentle water ways or the open ocean.

Additional Safety Equipments It is always better to have more supplies on board than you think would ever be needed on your boating trip. So please make arrangement for these additional items of safety equipment even if you think you won’t need them during your trip.

And be wise to take every one of them along with you every time you go boating. I’m sure that you’ll agree that you must be alive and healthy to enjoy the fun of boating. So, take no chances with your boating safety.