In 2017, emergency departments in the US attended to 8,700 children aged 19 and younger due to a drowning event. A quarter of these kids also had to stay in the hospital for further treatment.

Most drowning incidents involving minors occur in bathtubs and swimming pools. However, they are also a common result of recreational boating activities. In 2018 alone, 4,145 recreational boating incidents occurred in US waters.

Proper boat safety is key to preventing many of these incidents.

Besides, boating is among the most fun water activities to do with your family. More than being enjoyable, sailing has also shown to have mental health benefits.

Are you ready to make your family boating trip safe, memorable, and exciting? Then be sure to keep these tips on boating safety for kids.

Have Your Little Ones Take Swim Lessons

Some studies suggest that kids learn basic swimming skills the fastest when they’re 4 to 6 years old. These skills include floating, proper breathing, and crawl stroke.

However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swim lessons as early as the age of one. They believe that acquiring swimming skills at this age may help prevent drowning.

Regardless of your kids’ age though, it’s not too late to have them enroll in swim lessons. Aside from the basics, the program should also teach them water competency. This way, they’ll know what to do in case they unexpectedly find themselves in water.

Talk to your kids’ pediatrician first about swim classes before you take your kids out on a boat trip. Ask the doctor if your kids are developmentally ready for such classes. They may even recommend schools that have experienced swim instructors for kids.

Learn CPR

Only half of Americans say they know how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). The thing is, CPR can raise the survival chance of a victim who goes into cardiac arrest by two to three times.

That should be enough reason for you to learn both traditional and hands-only CPR. The traditional way involves compression and mouth-to-mouth breaths. Experts say that this may be more beneficial to drowning victims.

Parents aren’t the only ones who should master this life-saving technique. Even if your kids are still in elementary or high school, you should have them train for CPR. Previous research has found that more than 8 in 10 kids aged could perform it properly.

Complete a Family Boat Safety Course

Before sailing away on that yacht, sign up your family for boating classes. Many of these programs focus on boating basics, such as terms and safe vessel operation. However, many of them also teach boat safety for kids and adults.

Invest in a Quality Life Jacket

Did you know life jackets have saved more than 80% of victims of boating-related incidents?

That’s how effective and important life jackets are in boating activities.

This is why each person on the boat should have one of these floatation devices. Regardless of how skilled a swimmer you guys are, each one of you should have access to these jackets.  

Keep in mind, however, that life jackets also come with proper sizing. If the device is too small, it won’t do much to help the body stay afloat. If it’s too big, the jacket may end up wrapping around the face and causing more damage than good.

Note that the safest life jackets for toddlers, infants, and adults are those approved by the USGC. That’s why one of the first things to look for in a life jacket is the United States Coast Guard label. The best (and safest) recreational PFDs have undergone testing from USCG Recognized Laboratories.

Set Rules and Be Strict About Them

While you want your family boat trip to be fun, you should still enforce strict safety rules. No one should be running on the boat or horse playing near the gunwale or the edge of the boat. Hands and feet should always be inside the boat too.

Equip the Boat With Child-Friendly and Safety Devices

PDFs can save lives, but it’s best to prevent people from falling into the water in the first place. This is why you should choose a boat that has built-in child-proofing mechanisms. These include child-proof gates, locks, and straps on doors and windows.

You should also place some netting along the boat’s railings and at the bottom of the stair steps. These will help prevent infants and toddlers from climbing over them.

Keep Your Toolbox and First Aid Kit Well-Stocked

Your toolbox should have several flashlights, extra batteries, and mirrors. Duct tapes could also be a life-saver in case your boat springs a small leak. Make sure you also have a few buckets on board to help bail out water that enters the vessel.

There should also be extra marine ropes on the boat to help secure loose items on rocky waters. These ropes should be long enough to reach and pull in someone who falls overboard.

Stock up on antiseptics, waterproof bandages, and waterproof medical adhesives. Gauze sponges, cloth bandages (in case of sprains and strains), and splint should also be in the kit. Don’t forget sunscreens and medications for colds and motion-sickness.

Enjoy Your Family Water Getaway With These Boating Safety Tips

There you have it, your ultimate guide on boat safety tips for both kids and adults. All these can help prevent accidents and prepare your family to respond to them if they do occur.

Remember: you’ll be in open water, which means that the nearest boat could be miles and miles away. While you can call for help, your rescuers will still need time to get to your location. It’s always better to keep safe to avoid having to be rescued in the first place.

Ready to heed the call of the water while staying safe and having fun? Then be sure to check out our guides on choosing and buying boating gear and accessories!

Statistics indicate that more than 142 million Americans went boating in the year 2016. These figures will continue to grow steadily as more people discover the unforgettable experience boating presents. If you have not yet explored the calmness of cruising deep into the waters, then you may be missing out big time. Boating for beginners can be fun and refreshing. 

But as a rookie, there are things you need to know before taking your first venture out on the boat. For most experienced boaters, cruising deep-sea seems to come naturally.

However, if you’re looking to have a safe and fulfilling first boating experience, here are some critical boating for beginners tips to consider. 

1. Focus on Training 

Boating can have a fair share of safety hazards for beginners. Prior training is essential. Intense exercise preps you for any eventualities when boating.

Most experienced boaters are a product of consistent training. Before you take the risk of going it alone, you need to give yourself time to learn the ropes. You’ll find various options on the internet of trainers you can rely on for instruction and support. 

At GBC All new memberships come with a complimentary one-hour orientation with one of our U.S. Coast Guard–certified captains. And if you would like more instruction on how to drive a boat, we can also organize more lessons.

Once you have gone through the right training, you can venture into the waters confidently.

2. Get the Right Paperwork

Getting the right licensing and registration is vital before you can navigate a boat. But is this necessary? 

Well, yes, you need to consider the type of boating activities you intend to engage in and the exact area of operations. Then do your research on the legal and regulatory dynamics in the specific jurisdiction.

You also need to consider the cost of this paperwork in your particular state before beginning the process.  If you’ll be sailing on an inland waterway, you need to consult the appropriate navigation authority in your area too. This is because some waterways have special licensing regulations that may land you in trouble as a beginner.  

However, if you’re a member of a Boat club, you may be eligible for exclusive boating rights. Such rights spare you the hassle of having to apply for a separate license. 

Depending on the season, you may decide to moor your marina from time to time. Docking your boat in such cases may require specific licensing considerations, depending on your state.

You may need to do your research to ensure that you have the right licensing before embarking on a boating expedition. 

3. Always Check the Weather 

Nothing can be as disastrous as driving a boat for the first time under extreme weather conditions. The rule of thumb in boating 101 is that you should never head out boating when it’s raining, more so as a beginner. These stipulations exist to ensure that your safety comes first while out in the waters. Read our article on Boat Safety Tips for more information on how to be prepared before and during your trip.

Never underestimate the impact that light showers can have on your boating experience. You should pay specific attention to weather forecasts or at least wait until its summer. 

Weather conditions can put your life in danger as a beginner.  It’s your responsibility to ensure that you navigate under favorable terms as a safety precaution.

4. Dress for the Occasion 

Boating is primarily an outdoor activity that requires comfort. Your choice of dressing can be the source of a regrettable experience. Now that you know your own body’s needs, it would be critical to prepare appropriately for the experience.

As a beginner, you don’t know how well your body will respond to the outdoor weather. Consequently, it would be prudent to have a warm change of clothes. This would cushion you in case the cold weather conditions affect your body temperature while out there.

5. Always have a “Float Plan” 

This is not a mayday call but, yes. It would be best if you took every safety precaution necessary as a beginner. Before going all out into the waters, it would be necessary to have a float plan to guide you back to shore. Such a move would be to caution you in case of any eventuality while navigating.

Float plans have been critical lifesavers overtime. Even among experienced boaters, having a float plan as part of the expedition has become standard practice. It would be best if you considered having a float plan near you at all times during the outing to minimize the risks in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Planning your trip with your local Boat Club can help cover this necessary safety need.

6. Always Have a Life Jacket

As a beginner, boating can be all fun and games until the boat capsize. It is advisable that before beginning your boating experience, you also learn how to swim. This would ensure a consideration of safety in case of an emergency.

But even as a seasoned swimmer, you should always have your life-jacket on. Most beginners complain that lifesavers may be uncomfortable especially during summer. While this is true, your life must always come first. 

Wearing a life-jacket ought to be a standard requirement in boating for beginners.

7. Having a Toolbox Is Necessary

How well can you handle a mechanical issue? As a beginner, facing mechanical faults on your first voyage can be extremely frustrating. But you don’t want to be stuck on the water for hours wondering what to do.

Granted, you are not a certified mechanic. But you need to have basic knowledge of the boat’s operational process. Such experience ensures that you can handle probable mechanical failures on the go.

Most of the mechanical faults may be resolved within minutes if you have the right tools. You should also have spare parts with you to ease the process of repairs. This also necessitates the need to know your way around the boat’s functionality.

If you are keen on a drama-free voyage, you can get a boat rental instead at friendly rates from a reputable Boat Club. You’ll get to enjoy the delight of well-serviced, reliable boats with standby or emergency personnel as well as boats fitted with spare parts and toolboxes in case of mechanical failures.  

Nothing Beats a Boating Experience Under Favorable Conditions

Driving a boat can be a thrilling experience as you venture out for your first voyage. Even then, there are critical tips for boating for beginners you must consider. 

Your safety may be at risk during such outings, but with these guidelines, you can drive a boat with minimal concerns about probable mishaps. Once you take cognizance of these tips, your initial boating experience will be smooth and fun.   

Are you looking for an unforgettable boating experience? Contact us for well-maintained luxury boats.  

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, boating fatalities nationwide totaled to 658 in 2017. That’s a 6.1% decrease from the previous year.

Recreational boating injuries decreased by 9.4% as well.

Despite these improvements, new boaters still need to remain aware. Otherwise, someone might fall overboard or receive an injury.

Here are the top boat safety tips you should know before a day out at sea. In addition to learning these tips yourself, make sure your friends and family understand them as well.

Then, you and your crew can have a fun day on the water.

Make it a safe journey with these seven tips for proper boat safety.

1. Don’t Drink & Steer

The first step to a safe day on the water is to make sure you don’t drink and steer. Like drinking and driving a car, drinking and boating is dangerous for the driver and any passengers. In fact, drinking and boating can lead to serious legal consequences as well.

Many of the boating-related fatalities that occur are a result of drinking and boating.

Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol is illegal in all 50 states. Known as a BUI, it’s also considered a federal crime. Most states consider a .08% blood alcohol level acceptable while operating a boat.

That’s the same blood alcohol level for driving under the influence (DUI).

Most women will reach this blood alcohol level after two drinks. Most men will reach it after five. However, you might reach this level sooner if:

• You haven’t eaten much that day
• You’re taking certain medications
• Your metabolism doesn’t process alcohol quickly
• You’re dehydrated

Instead of risking it, don’t get behind the wheel of any vehicle while under the influence.

Penalties for boating under the influence include:

• A large fine
• Loss of boating privileges
• Jail time
• Financial restitution for any damages of injuries
• Felony conviction
• Completion of an alcohol or boating safety course

Drinking while under the influence will impair your cognitive abilities and judgment. It’s just as dangerous on the water as it is on the road. If you’re steering the ship, set the beer aside.

2. Safety First

It’s estimated that life jackets have saved over 80% of boating fatality victims. One of the top boat safety tips to remain aware of is always wear a life jacket.

Some states only require you to keep a life jacket accessible. However, if an accident does occur, you likely won’t have time to put a life jacket on. Instead, purchase modern life jackets for your passengers and keep them on at all times.

Modern life jackets are compact, thin, and flexible, making them more comfortable.

If you have any children on board, make sure they’re wearing specially-sized jackets. These jackets are appropriate for their weight range. They’ll fit properly without allowing them to slip through.

An adult-sized life jacket won’t work for a child.

Before you go out to sea, make sure to test your child’s life jacket to ensure is works properly. This will also give your child the chance to adapt to wearing one.

3. Preparation is Key

The total cost of damages caused by boating accidents amounted to $46 million in 2017. You can avoid paying damages by preparing ahead of time.

Before you decide to own a boat, use these boat safety tips:

• Understand the specific boating laws in your state
• Have a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary perform a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) on your boat
• Have a float plan, which includes where you’re going and when you intend to return
• Perform a pre-boarding boat safety check

You should email your float plan to a friend or family member who isn’t going boating with you. That way, they can start a search and rescue in case something goes wrong.

During your pre-boarding boat safety check, make sure you have a full tank of gas. You’ll also want to check the:

• Engine oil levels
• Transmission fluid levels
• Battery charge
• Full fluid levels

After refueling, make sure you don’t smell fumes after running the blower.

Have your operator’s certificate, license, or any other registration for your boat on board, just in case. Now you’re prepared for anything.

4. Watching the Weather

Before you leave the dock, make sure to check the local weather and the weather for your destination. Remember, the weather can change rapidly. Bring a radio for you to keep track of weather changes while you’re on the water.

5. Practice Propeller Safety

Before you leave, practice proper propeller safety with your passengers.

First, make sure everyone is accounted for on the boat. Walk around the boat to ensure no one is in the water. You don’t want to start the engine if anyone went overboard.

Let your passengers know where the propellers are located, and that they’re dangerous.

Place any children onboard away from the propellers.

If someone does fall overboard, stop the boat immediately. Shut off the engine if you’re approaching anyone in the water as well.

6. Remain Mindful of Others

You’re not the only one out at sea. In order to maintain proper boat safety, it’s important to remain mindful of any boaters or swimmers on the water. Keep a safe distance when you can.

Following any directions or signs you see. Make sure to follow the rules that are listed by the local authorities as well.

When you’re near any boats, the shore, or swimmers, keep your wake low.

7. Overboard Emergencies

It’s important to know what to do if someone goes overboard. Here are our boat safety tips for such an emergency:

• Turn off the motor and propellers
• If everyone has gone overboard while the propellers are active, get everyone away from the boat
• Remain calm
• Use your life jacket to float without exerting too much energy
• Make sure everyone is safe
• If you don’t have a life jacket, look for another floatation device

Then, try to get everyone to float back to safety.

Preparing for a Day at Sea: The 7 Boat Safety Tips You Need

Ready for a day out at sea? With these seven boat safety tips, you’re nearly ready. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen while enjoying that Florida sun.

Need a place to dock? Contact us for a free quote!