Boat Safety Checklist

If you’re ready to dust off the boat and hit the open water, stop. Don’t head out before you go over your safety checklist. Every boat owner should have a checklist of safety rules and equipment that should be checked every time, before the boat ever touches the water. From the boat’s outer shell down to its propeller, every part should be in good working order before shoving off. Not checking into safety can have dire consequences, so a checklist is a smart thing to complete.

Why you ask?

To ensure a fun and safe trip out on the open water, every part of a boat from its propeller to its radio system should be checked before heading out. Even the most insignificant of items can become very important in an emergency situation.

The safety checklist that you use for your boat should cover many different items and equipment, including the engine and propeller. Some of the most common items to make sure are onboard are personal flotation devices, navigational charts and a radio. But when it comes to the subject of safety many more items should be considered.

A must to do before leaving your home is a weather check. Tune into to the local weather forecasts for your area and the areas in which you plan on boating. Any hints of bad weather could spell out disaster for your planned excursion and doom for your safety if not checked before you leave. Gather information on tides and winds, just because no storms are coming does not mean that you are safe. High winds can lead to bad chop on the water, which can lead to the possibility of your boat being capsized. While out on the water keep a marine radio on board tuned into a station that gives regular weather reports just in case an unexpected storm comes into the area.

If your plans are taking you to a large body of water, one in which land can no longer be seen, it is important to carry a few different items with you. Emergency rations should be kept on board your boat in a sealed container that floats. If there is an accident that leaves you without your boat being able to stay afloat then food and water in a floatable container can keep you alive until help can reach you. The food items should be small but nutritious. For those boaters enjoying the spray of salt water, it’s recommended to bring a few gallons of fresh water along for the ride, too.

Another item that should be considered is an inflatable raft. Even small boats can run into trouble that can cause the craft to sink, if you plan to go out far from the shore then an inflatable craft can keep you out of the water even if your main boat sinks. Along with this inflatable craft you should include oars. If for some reason your boat’s engine should stop working, the oars could provide you with a means to return to shore instead of leaving you at the mercy of nature.

These are just a small part of the safety checklist every boat owner should have and utilize before their boat ever enters the water.

Jet Ski Fun

Whether you’re going to the beach on vacation or you’ve rented a cottage on the lake, a jet ski or better yet a pair of them, can add some serious fun and excitement to the trip. Jet skis can be purchased or rented in a number of locations and are fairly simple for almost anyone to learn how to use. They do, however, require some basic understanding of the rules of the water.

Jet skis are considered personal watercraft. Not exactly like water skis and not exactly a boat, these allow their users to speed on the water while enjoying some great scenery and fun. Safety, however, should be paramount when using a jet ski.

Here is some advice to consider before diving in (or on) to the water with a jet ski:

* Bear in mind at all times that jet skis are fun, but they are not toys. Accidents can happen and do happen and most are avoidable.

* All in all, jet skis are pretty safe. As long as they’re kept in good working order, which most rental shops absolutely ensure, they shouldn’t be a problem on the water.

* Get some training before using a jet ski. Make sure you understand how it works, what you need to do to ride it safely and be aware of any local regulations. There are personal watercraft safety courses people can take to ensure they know what they’re doing before they hit the water.

* Before heading out in a jet ski, check weather reports. It’s never a good idea to be stuck in a storm in a boat or jet ski.

* Know the terrain. Be certain you understand how to read water hazard markers and are aware of any obstructions, such as reefs and sandbars, that might cause accidents.

* Wear a life jacket. This one bears repeating again and again.

* If exploring on a jet ski is in order, make sure someone on land knows your desired route, where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

* Wear protective clothing. It’s not always necessary, but goggles, a wet suit and protective footwear can make the experience that much better - and safer.

* Follow local laws in the water. Yes, there are speed limits in the water. Heed them! In places like Florida, for example, manatee and alligators can get in the way of fun, generally to their own detriment. Speed limits are enforced in areas where high-speed action can present a danger to an operator, an animal or both.

Adding a little jet ski action through a rental is a great way to kick up the fun factor of a vacation. But, if knowledge and caution aren’t in place, sometimes problems can occur. Be smart and know how to operate a craft safely before diving in. Do not forget a lifejacket and don’t be afraid to take a class to learn more.

Jet skis are favored by many who like the freedom they offer in the water. Giving a different feel than water skis or boats, perhaps a mix is the best description, these personal craft can be a real blast, too. When common sense is taken along on the ride, nothing can pump up the water fun quite like a jet ski.