Every time you take your boat out on the water, it’s a new experience. No matter how many trips you may have under your belt, it’s a good idea to brush up on some boating safety tips before heading out.
This summer, be sure to consider these safety tips and practices to enjoy your time out on the water!
Before Setting Out
You’ll want to check that your boat is operating properly before heading out on the water. Take a moment to review this pre-departure checklist:
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- Share your intended plans  with a friend or relative. Include your destination and expected time of return
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- Check your boat’s fuel levels
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- Check your engine-for inboard engines, open the hatch to look for fuel or fluid (oil, coolant, etc.) leakage or excess water in the bilge, or the lowest section inside of a boat. For outboard engines, check the fuel system for leaks or heavy gas odor. Excessive fuel vapors from either engine type can be a sign of a serious problem.
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- Ensure all lights are functioning and in place
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- Test radio/communications devices
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- Check the local weather, sea reports, and boating forecasts for the chances of storms
What to Take Aboard
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- Your boat certificate and registration
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- Personal flotation devices (PFD’s)/Life Jackets for each passenger
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- A fully-stocked boating emergency/survival kit
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- A functioning fire extinguisher
Staying Safe on the Water
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- Do not exceed the maximum number of passengers allowed on board
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- Make sure passengers remain seated when the boat is motion
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- Shut off the engine when passengers are loading and unloading from water activities: (tubing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and swimming)
By following these boating safety tips, we hope that you and your friends and family will stay safe while out on the water this summer. As always, give us a call at 860-589-3434 if you have any questions about boat insurance to speak with a professional today!
