For those who are new to boating and even for experienced “salts”, we’ve compiled ten tips related to enjoying yourself safely on your boat. All of these tips involve taking responsibility for the safety of yourself, your boat and your crew.
• Have Well Fitting Life Jackets for Everyone on Board
• Use the Grab Rails or Jack Lines for Balance
• Spot Hazards on Deck and in the Water
• Know Your Boat
• Make Sure Everyone Stays on Board Until You’re Docked
• Have a Designated Driver
• Have All USCG Required Safety Gear on Board
• Know How To Anchor Properly
• Create a Float Plan
• Take a Boating Class
Equip Yourself and Your Crew with Life Jackets that Fit
According to the insurers at BoatUS, “More than two-thirds of all boating fatalities are drowning incidents and 90% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket”. This is why you and every member of your crew should have a life jacket that fits. West Marine offers a complete selection of life jackets to accommodate most every boating activity, including fishing, water sports, day cruising and inshore and offshore cruising. No matter what your boating activity, West Marine has a life jacket for you. If you want to avoid the bulk of an inherently buoyant PFD we suggest you select an inflatable life vest. Many customers find inflatable life jackets to be so comfortable that they forget they have one on!
One Hand for the Job, One Hand for the Boat!
Moving about on an unstable, pitching deck is not the same as walking down a sidewalk. The adage “one hand for the job, one hand for the boat” refers to the need to cautiously move from hand hold to hand hold when moving about on deck. Most boats are equipped with grab rails or other features that you can use to steady yourself when traversing the deck. As a precaution against falling overboard, sailboats are often equipped with jack lines. Jack lines consist of strong lengths of webbing that run fore and aft on both sides of the boat. Crewmembers attach a tether to jack lines that is in turn attached to a harness that they wear. For rough weather or use offshore, jack lines can also be installed on powerboats.