Before you do, we want to give you some basic Safety Tips and resources.
TIPS FOR SAFE BOATING
- Make sure everyone in your group knows how to swim! Even the best swimmers can have problems with shock or panic in very cold water. If you do not know how to swim…. Learn!
- Know the weight limit on your boat and don’t go over. Be sure to carry all the necessary safety equipment and make sure everyone knows how to use it and what to do in the event of an emergency.
- Life jackets should be readily accessible and be sure there is one for every passenger.
- Don’t overdo it. In just 3 hours of boating, the sun, motion, glare and wind can double your reaction time.
- Drinking alcohol can also slow your reaction time, lessen your coordination and increase your susceptibility of Hypothermia.
- Boating safety classes are offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the Red Cross.
HAVE FUN BUT BE EXTRA CAREFUL ON HOLIDAY WEEKENDS
Close to 14% of all accidents each year occur during the three Summer holiday weekends. Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. The waters are very crowded, people are boating in large groups and they often include guests that might not be as experienced and aware. For these reasons, assign someone on your boat to act as a lookout. And be sure to familiarize your passengers with the safety equipment, tell them to keep hands inside near the dock, talk to them about propeller safety and be sure everyone is wearing a life jacket!
Click here for a copy of the ABC’s of the CA Boating law http://www.dbw.ca.gov/pubs/ABC/ABCFull.pdf
Be sure to protect yourself with Liability Insurance for your boat or recreational vehicle. Please contact us for more information. Carlsbad: (760) 795-2002 and Temecula: (800) 438-0772
