Boating is a family activity. Even with this is mind, there are more people who simply take a safety course as an individual. There is a mindset that the one person will be able to act as the safety guide for the rest of the family. This is not a good idea because everyone on the boat needs to know the best ways to stay safe. One person cannot be held responsible at all times for what the rest of the people on the boat are doing. Get your family involved for their own safety.
Importance of the life vest
The first thing which needs to be stressed to every person who rides in a boat is the importance of the life vest for safe boating. Some people are reluctant to wear a life vest because they feel they are a strong swimmer. It is important to remember why you are wearing the vest in the first place. You are wearing the vest in case of an emergency. This means you might be knocked unconscious while you are falling out of the boat. Your great swimming skills will not be able to help you if you are not awake. This is just one example of why it is important to wear a life vest on every boating trip.
Respecting the Driver
Everyone wants to have fun when they are riding in a boat. This does not include distracting the driver while the boat is in motion. You would never distract a person who is driving a car, but this idea gets thrown out in a boat. There is a false sense of security when driving a boat in the middle of a lake. Some drivers have even been known to walk away from the wheel while the boat is in motion. You never know when you will come across an obstruction or an out of control boat. Paying attention is very important to boating safety.
Taking a Safety Class
Because boating is a family activity, it is a good idea for the entire family to take a class on safe boating. This way everyone in the family can be on the same page. There is never an age which is too young to take safety courses. For those who have already taken a safety course, it is a good idea to take a refresher course every few years. This way the information will stay fresh in everyone’s minds.
If everyone on the boat is practicing safe boating practices, there is no reason why the fun has to stop. In fact, you will be able to have more fun because you are doing it safely. You will not have to stop in order to make a run to the hospital or anything else. Remember to get the family involved and to take safety seriously. The more you practice safety on a boat, the longer you will be able to continue to enjoy your time on the water.