by Staff

Going boating or obtaining your boating license for the first time this summer will allow you to explore the open waters with confidence. Whether you’re interested in investing in a boat of your own or you want to rent a boat to go for a ride, there are a few safety tips you’ll want to keep in mind. Knowing the most basic safety tips for first-time boaters will reduce the risk of experiencing an issue, setback, or any danger any time you’re out on the water.

1. Enroll in a Boating Course
Taking a local boating safety course is essential if you’re interested in going boating for the first time. Whether you’ve always dreamed of living a boating lifestyle or if you simply want to learn to navigate various waters, you can do so much easier when you enroll in a local boating safety course. Understanding basic boating safety protocols will also help you remain confident once you’re out on the water.

2. Learn the Waters Near You
In the United States, it’s estimated that more than 87 million adults over the age of 18 participate in recreational boating in some form or another. Becoming familiar with the waters in your area or region can help significantly when it comes to navigation and remaining calm whenever you encounter potential setbacks or inclement weather. From large lakes to busy rivers to oceanside, there are many places to boat!

3. Don’t Drink and Drive a Boat
Understanding the law, especially as it pertains to consuming alcohol, is a way for you to prevent receiving a ticket, fee, fine, or court date in which your boating license is put at risk. Operating a boat while intoxicated is illegal and may result in fines, fees, or the revocation of your boating license. You’re legally intoxicated when your blood alcohol concentration reaches at least 0.08%.

4. Find a Secure Marina
Finding a secured marina you can trust and rely on to dock your boat near the body of water you prefer visiting is highly recommended. There are currently approximately 13.1 million registered boats as of 2023 in the United States. Whenever you begin searching for a local marina, you’ll want to do so by comparing locations, services, and the types of boats each marina near you has space for or already has experience with docking.

5. Stock Safety Equipment and Gear
Anytime you’re boating, you’ll want to do so only once you’ve ensured you have proper safety gear and equipment. Using the right safety gear, such as a first aid kit, fire extinguishers, flotation devices, and rafts can go a long way in providing you with a sense of peace and additional protection whenever you head out onto the water. Regardless of why you’re planning to go boating, it’s always best to do so only once you’ve ensured you have the proper gear and equipment to guide you along the way.

6. Always Wear Life Jackets
Always wear life jackets anytime you’re boating. Even if you’re an advanced swimmer, there is always a risk of a potential storm, natural disaster, or even a capsizing event. Before you head out on a trip in a boat for the first time, you’ll want to verify that you have adequate life jackets for all individuals onboard based on their height, weight, and age.

Learning some vital safety tips for first-time boaters is always advisable whether you grew up on the water or if you’re looking to lead a water-centric lifestyle for the first time. From packing appropriate safety gear and equipment to familiarizing yourself with the navigation in certain waters, there is no such thing as preparing too much whenever you’re boating for the first time. The more prepared you are in advance, the more likely it is that your first-time boating experience will turn out exactly as you intended.

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