Spring Boaters Checklist and Safety Reminders
Winter is over and it's time to get the boat back on the water. That also means putting the time, effort and elbow grease necessary to ensure the safest boating season possible. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) boat statistics indicate that 83% of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat operator had never received boating education instruction. Taking a little bit of extra time to prepare for your warmer weather on the water can help ensure you and your loved ones are safe and secure when enjoying the open waters.
The first step is participating in boating education course like the ones offered by FWC and utilizing the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) Spring Commissioning Checklist. Available as a free, downloadable PDF, the BoatUS checklist walks you through inspections, engines and outdrives as well as essential safety measures. The safety measures in this checklist include how to prevent electric shock drowning, as well as updated fire extinguisher and safety jacket regulations.
We sat down with retired Lt. Commander U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Controller Robert Carroll last year to discuss boat safety after boating sports skyrocketed during the pandemic. Carroll shared five critical things every boater needs to do before leaving the dock, such as making a float plan, investing in an emergency Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and ensuring flares make your packing checklist. Read more of Carroll’s insight here.
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