There’s nothing like a day out on the water: The sun is shining, and you’ve got your family and friends (and probably something great to eat). Whether you go out on the boat every weekend of the spring and summer or you go on an annual trip with your friends, it’s crucial to know a few boating safety tips. As fun as getting out on a boat is, if done unsafely it has the potential to get dangerous.
Before you head toward the water, check out these few safety tips according to Discover Boating.
BE AWARE OF THE WEATHER
Before you go to the lake for the weekend, it’s a good idea to go ahead and check the forecast. If you see things changing quickly, the wind starting to pick up, or clouds developing up above, it might be wise to go ahead and reschedule your boating excursion.
FOLLOW A PRE-BOATING CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU GO OUT ON THE WATER
When you’re operating a boat, it’s wise to ensure that you have everything you could possibly need in case of an emergency. (Discover Boating has a pre-boating checklist to use for your convenience.)
USE COMMON SENSE
Just like operating any other heavy machinery, it’s always prudent to use some common sense. Stay at a safe speed at all times and make sure you avoid obstacles or other boats in the water. Above all, staying alert is good common sense when you’re operating a boat.
HAVE A BACKUP CAPTAIN
You never know what could happen unexpectedly. If you have a medical emergency and are unable to drive the boat properly, you need to have someone on board who can operate as your backup captain just in case something happens to the person who is primarily operating the boat.
USE PROPER LIFEJACKETS
Lifejackets save lives—there’s no question about it. Not wearing a lifejacket is not an option. In fact, most drowning victims are a result of not wearing a proper lifejacket. Assign each person on board the boat a properly fitting lifejacket prior to departure (and ensure they are wearing it).
LEARN TO SWIM
If you’re ever going to be in a situation where you’re out in any kind of water, it’s a necessity to learn how to swim. Don’t know how? There are plenty of opportunities to take classes at your local YMCA, city pool. Check out the class schedule and get yourself prepared for any situation.
While you and your family may practice safe boating, others on the water may not be as wise. If you have been injured in a boating accident in Georgia due to the negligence of another person, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact Fry | Goehring to answer any questions you may have about personal injury cases or call us at (404) 948-3571.
