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Boating is a serious pastime for a lot of people who live close to an open pond, river, or the ocean. However, just because the boat is not driving on a highway, does not mean that it cannot be involved in an accident. Boating accidents in 2013 took the lives of over sixty people in Florida alone. Accidents are often caused by the operator not having a clear focus on what is going on around the boat. Deaths are normally related to drowning. However, there has been a few that are related to boats colliding, running ashore, and other incidents.
Learning Safe Operation
Safe operation can be anything from having the required equipment on board to the know-how of how to properly operate the vessel. When operating any vessel, it is a good idea to have knowledge about the weather patterns and how to properly read nautical maps or charts. Knowledge about the upcoming weather patterns can be the difference between smooth sailing and a rocky reunion in the waters. For those who are rusty, new, or would just like to brush up on their safe operation skills, boating courses are located all over the world. Courses are offered for children to become better associated with boating and what it means to be an operator.
Instructing Guests for Safe Travel
Many of the vessels that depart from marinas and popular bays have guests on board. These guests may not be operating the vessel but they are a part of the experience. A guest can cause issues on board if not properly instructed on how to behave, how to pack, or what to wear. Before boarding, be sure to instruct all guests to pack only the necessities as the boat may have limited space. If the overall experience is more than sunbathing, swimming, and bird watching, other attire besides swimsuits and sunscreen might be necessary. For example, shoes that are non-skid will work better than regular sandals or sneakers. This could prevent a guest from going overboard by a clumsy slip. It is the operator’s responsibility to insure that all of the onboard guests are properly instructed before departure.
Boating is a glorious pastime for any water lover. It can be a grand experience met with the high tides or it can turn into a disaster. To keep it from becoming a disaster, or to prevent future boating accidents, follow all of the proper instructions and boating laws in the area. Also remind guests on board that even though the waters may be clear, there are still accidents that could occur unknowingly.