For most people, boat safety isn’t too much of a big deal. After all, there are a lot less boats in the water than there are vehicles on the roadways, right? But still, just like driving a car, operating a boat on the water is a privilege (not a right) and it should be treated as such.

Rules to Live By

1. Obey the Speed Limits! According to an accident report issued by the United States Coast Guard in 2006, there were approximately 710 fatalities, 3,474 injuries and nearly $44 million in property damage all from boating-related accidents! A lot of people naturally assume that because there’s less traffic on the water that they can pretty much do whatever they want. However, breaking the posted speed limits can be dangerous for a variety of reasons. First of all, you can wind up hitting a shallow patch of water or a sandbar, which if hit at a high speed can throw passengers out of the boat or worse. The same thing can happen if you hit a wave at the wrong angle, slow down!
2. Wear Your Life Vest! Even if you know how to swim, always wear a life jacket. If, for some reason, your boat capsizes or you fall overboard, even the best swimmers can get tired very quickly. The United States Coast Guard reported that over 90% of people who drowned in 2006 were NOT wearing a life jacket. People may speculate that life vests look stupid and are bulky, but it may save your life.
3. Don’t Drink & Drive! While some of the rules may be different when you are on the water, it is never a good idea to drink and drive. Drinking alcohol impairs one’s ability to think clearly and make logical decisions. Alcohol is the primary factor in many boating fatalities. Do not put yourself in the position of becoming one of those statistics.
4. Maintain a Safe Distance! The most frequent type of boating accident that is reported is collision with another boat. In the boating world, collision with another boat can be avoided fairly easily simply by maintaining a safe distance at all times.
5. Educate Yourself & Your Crew! If you are planning on purchasing a boat, make sure (if it’s not already mandated) that you attend a school or class on boat safety. There are plenty of boat owners out there who get behind the wheel of a boat with no concern for the general rules of the water and safety. Make sure that everyone on the boat has their life vests on and make sure that you go over the rules prior to your departure. The vast majority of boat accidents are preventable if you just take time out for safety.

For more information on boat transport, contact National Transport LLC today; and make sure you visit the following new pages:

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