8 Summertime Boating Tips for Everyone
It's summertime! It's summertime! There's nothing better than sipping ice-cold beverages off the bow of a boat while you chill with your friends.
I love being on the water. It's something that I love about being outdoors in nature, whether it be a river, lake, or ocean. The water is the cure for most of life's ailments.
Many families take to the water when it gets hot. However, sometimes boating safety and preparedness takes the backseat, which can quickly ruin an outing if you're unprepared. Here are eight boating tips that every boater needs to know in order to make summer boating fun and worry-free.
1. Do not drink and boat!
This should be obvious. However, people are more likely to drink while on a boat. Drinking while boating can be as dangerous, if not worse than driving. In fact, it's responsible for about one-third of all recreational boating fatalities.
What is the legal limit?
The legal limit to operate a boat in most states is.08 percent blood alcohol. This is the same limit as for driving under the influence (DUI). The Coast Guard also enforces federal laws regarding BUI for all boats from canoes to speedboats, sailboats and large ships. You may be legally impaired if you feel a little "buzzed".
The water is more dangerous than the alcohol
Drinking and boating can cause cognitive impairments and poor judgement. It could also throw you off balance. Inner ear problems could make it harder for someone who falls in the water to tell up from down. Remember that air bubbles travel up to the surface if this happens.
2. Do not be dinghy, wear a life jacket!
Boating accidents are the leading cause of death. Drownings are the most common. and over 90% of drownings occur when victims aren't wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). You must ensure it is securely fitted and properly buckled.
How to Choose the Right Fit
You should ensure that each passenger has a personal flotation device (PFD), including fur-babies and infants. Make sure it fits right by wearing the proper size: Try it on, buckle straps, zip up zippers. If the jacket hangs above your ears, it is too large. The jacket is too small if it doesn't zip shut. You can find additional instructions on how to fit life jackets at the This California Department of Boating and Waterways.
Where to Buy
Life jackets can be purchased at most sporting goods shops, Army-Navy surplus shops and online. This Eyson Slim Inflatable PFD Life Vest. This is a great option if you are frequently on the water. It is slim and inflates automatically and manually upon water impact. It can also be re-used, which is great! Refills for Co2 cartridges. Refills The children's version is loved by my nieces!
A vest is also necessary for fur-babies! Yes! Dogs should be equipped with a personal flotation device (PFD) in case they get tired or fall overboard. There are many sporty vests available for Fido, some even with an attached apron.
Know the Law
Children younger than 13 years old must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. The laws may differ from one state to the next. You can find the state requirements for your state online at Boat U.S. Foundation.
3. Weather: Fun with Flags
Although I am not Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory, I love a good pennant warning. Who doesn't love a pennant weather warning? Flag warnings can be both important and entertaining!
Maritime warning flag systems will hoist flags to provide boaters a visual indicator to current weather conditions. These are just a few:
One red flag Denotes small craft advisory Two red flags A gale warning is issued.
One red flag and one black square. A storm warning is indicated in the middle. Use of Two black-squared red flags Denotes a hurricane force wind advisory, a hurricane warning, or a tropical storm depending on where you live. This isn't only for ocean-goers, but also because some lakes can create their own weather.
The National Weather Service issues storm warnings for wind gusts and higher winds. 48 knots (89 km/h, 55 mph) to 64 knots (117km/h, 72 mph). At sea or on many lakes in the United States. There are many boating apps that can help you stay ahead of the weather while on the water. I highly recommend NOAA HD Radar. The cost of the app is $2.99 Download the free app if you are looking for apps that don't cost anything.
4. Man Overboard
It's terrifying to lose your balance, slip, or fall overboard. My friends and I often practice our man-overboard drills when we sail so that we are ready to rescue anyone in need. It will happen, but please don't deny it. It can.
My fur-baby, a Border Collie puppy of 15 weeks, was there. After enjoying his first boat ride, and having had the best time on the bow, a sudden wave appeared out of nowhere. The next thing I knew, he was in water.
We were able to perform a well-practiced man overboard rescue (or canine in this instance). Here are the steps to help you practice man overboard rescue.
- Shout- "Man overboard!"
- Spot- Find the victim in the water and watch out for them. It's easy for your victim to get lost in the waves or boat's movements.
- Throw- Place a flotation device in the water and let the victim latch onto it.
- Reverse the trend to pick them up, turn back towards the victim.There are two types of turns. These are used to return quickly to the point of origin--the Williamson (an oval-shaped racetrack-shaped turn) or the elliptical, which can be faster.
- Pull or climb- Return to the victim's side and give them a lifeline. Tow them in. You can also pull the victim into the boat using the life vest. If they are strong enough they might be able climb aboard via the swim ladder
5. Feel Hot! Hot! Hot!
Hydrate
There's nothing more important than staying hydrated when out on the water. Drink 5-8 ounces of water every 15-20 minutes when you are boating. Avoid caffeinated beverages and sodas. They can contribute to dehydration.
Sunscreen
The beach's coco-nutty scent brings back childhood memories. Did you know that there are 243 sunscreens for the beach and sport? Environmental Working Group (EWG). What if they don't approve? It can be difficult to pick the best from so many options. These are my personal favorites Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF30 and Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 50. Both safe for everyone, even fur-babies.
EWG recommends that sunscreen be used only as a last resort. Instead, wear appropriate attire.
Wear proper clothes
Protect your skin from the UV rays of the sun with hats, shorts, and pants. This reduces burn risk by as much as 27%
Sunglasses should be considered an accessory, not a fashion accessory. These rose-colored sunglasses are Maui Jim Sunglasses. They are my favorite and protect my eyes against UV radiation. My mama also taught me that rose-colored glasses make all things sunny.
6. Blazing Your Wake
With thousands of people taking to the water, there are certain customs and traditions to help boaters navigate the rules of the road. The same process applies to boaters as for cars, but you are on the water and without breaks.
- You are the owner of your wake
- If another boat is trying to pass yours, slow down
- Respect your neighbors
- Take your manners to the boat ramp
- Help someone in need
- Take care of yourself
7. Keep it tidy
There is nothing worse than finding trash on the beach. Do not be like that. Woodsy Owl is still with us. Woodsy Owl was my favorite kid. His message is still true today: Give a hoot, don't pollute!
Let your outdoor manners show. If you have to, clean up after others. Pick up garbage from the street and bring it to the nearest trash can. It will make you feel great.
8. Have Fun!
With kids on a boat--or adults for that matter--there are numerous options for games and having fun!
Buy a tube to pull behind your boat, or to a Pontoon slide. Unicorn floaties will be a hit for the little ones and for a fun water fight, make sure you have some squirt guns or buckets.
You can dance to the funky music, but not the Macarena. Appoint a DJ for the day and let the kids take turns. Everyone enjoys being the one to play the music. Play a musical game with everyone and enjoy some beach time.
Get pizza delivered to you dock when you are hungry!
These summer boating tips will help you enjoy every sunny day. Be safe, no matter what you do this summer!
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