19 Sep Ways to Avoid Boating Accidents
Boating is a huge part of the summer. Sadly, so are boating accidents. If you don’t want to be hurt or worse when you take your boat out this summer, keep these tips in mind.
Don’t Drink When Operating Your Boat
Drinking alcohol while operating a boat is just as bad and dangerous as drinking and driving. Boating while intoxicated increases your chance of suffering a fatal accident by 34 percent, so put the drink down unless you’re just a passenger.
Keep Your Emergency Radio Turned Up
You might be tempted to turn down your emergency radio for some peace and quiet, but you have it for a reason. If there’s a potentially dangerous situation near you, a broadcast on your emergency radio might be the only warning you receive. After all, you never know when you may need the assistance of services such as boat repower services in Ft Myers or even a larger boat to come and help you out if say you end up stranded. Being stranded especially in the open water can be very dangerous so having a working emergency radio is vital.
Slow Down
In most states, you can receive a ticket for speeding on your boat, just like you can be cited for speeding in an automobile. When in doubt, slow down. Also, ensure that your boat is in a good condition and is not rusted or has broken panels on the side. Moreover, if you are buying a used boat, ensure that you purchase it from a trustworthy seller (click to visit ZeBoats). It can help you reduce a chance of getting into an accident.
Perform Routine Maintenance on Your Boat
Check that your boat is in good working order before taking it out. Even if everything on the boat appears to be in working order, you should keep spare Copper Nails and wood plugs on hand in case of an emergency so that you can repair minor flaws yourself.
However, before you take out your boat, it is critical to inspect it and repair any flaws. This is especially important if your boat has been sitting in storage all winter and spring. Look over the hull and engine to make sure it’s in good shape, and make any repairs and maintenance you think is necessary. And if you feel that your boat is beyond repair, it might be time to look for new boats for sale!
Watch the Weather
Watching the weather isn’t as simple as looking outside to see if there are ominous clouds in the sky. Listen to your local weather report, listen to your emergency radio, and don’t hesitate to head back to shore if things start to look too dangerous.
Know Your Boat’s Weight Capacity
Overloading your boat with gear or passengers could cause it to capsize. Every boat has its own weight capacity. Learn yours so you don’t overload it.
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