Top Boating Safety Tips for Summer

It’s summer, and that means lazy afternoons rolling over the water in style. That’s right—you’re on a boat with your friends and family to soak in the toasty summer sun and swim in the cool water! But while you want to have fun, you also want to stay safe. Whether you own a boat or are looking into boat rentals in Venice, FL, you will find that the rules of the water apply to everyone. Here are some of the top boating safety tips to keep in mind this summer.

Know state boating laws

You need to check your state’s boating laws well before heading out onto the water this summer. Most states require that the boat operator hold a boating safety certificate and a boating license, and it doesn’t hurt to have taken boating safety courses. If you have children, keep in mind that some states have specific licensing and certification requirements that they must adhere to.

Don’t drink and boat

Although you may not see the harm in sipping on an alcoholic beverage behind the wheel of a boat, drinking and boating can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving any motor vehicle. And when it comes to boating, there are all sorts of distractions capable of drawing your attention away from navigating the boat well—including waves, loud engine noises, exposure to the elements, other boaters and wildlife. It’s illegal in all 50 U.S. states to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol, with most states capping the blood alcohol level at .08 percent—the same limit for car drivers.

Follow life jacket rules

Life jackets can save the lives of both children and adults. While the law in all states is for children to always wear life jackets for safety, unfortunately not all states require adults to wear life jackets at all times while on a boat. They merely need to be accessible to all those on board in the event of an accident—but keep in mind that you may not reach a life jacket in time during the chaos.

Many of today’s life jackets are pretty thin, flexible and compact, making it easier than ever to wear one while you are on a boat. Make sure to grab enough life jackets for everyone before taking advantage of boat rentals in Venice, FL.

Perform a pre-boarding boat safety check

Before sailing off into the sunset, take a few minutes to perform a pre-boarding safety check and inspection:

• Make sure you have a full tank of gas, a fully charged battery, correct oil and other fluid levels, properly working electronic gear and that all boat components are in good condition.
• Check for fumes coming from the hatch after you refuel. Do not start the engine if fumes are present.
• Safety equipment! Be sure there is one life jacket for each person on board, as well as an onboard fire extinguisher, flashlights, extra batteries, flares and a first aid kit.

For the most affordable, high-quality boat rentals in Venice, FL, look no further than Cool Breeze Boats and Jet Ski Rentals. We look forward to being a part of your fun summer plans!

Categorised in: Boat Rental

This post was written by Writer