If you’re new to boating—or even if you’re not—it’s easy to make simple mistakes that may have serious consequences on the water. Almost always, boating errors are caused by rushing, not paying attention, or both. Most of them are more embarrassing than anything else; for example, failing to tie up the anchor before tossing it over the side, or jumping from the boat to the dock and ending up in the water, instead.
Operating a boat can be fun and exciting, but it has risks. Here are a few suggestions that will help keep you safe while you’re out enjoying your boat or personal watercraft.
Be Weather-Wise
Take a moment to test your knowledge with the following quiz.
1.) If a passenger falls overboard from your boat, you should do which of the following:
a. Slowly reverse, keeping the individual in sight at all times. Stop within five feet and allow the person to swim to the side of the boat.
b. Stop the boat. Allow the boater to swim to the side of the vessel and slowly pull the person to safety.
As marinas prepare for peak boating season around the country, now's the time for boaters to gear up to "be green" this summer. Choosing to be a responsible conservationist on the water not only positively impacts the environment, but can also have a similar impact on your wallet.
The recreational boating industry continues to offer eco-friendly products, including electric and solar-paneled boats, greener engines and recycled accessories. DiscoverBoating.com/green has easy tips for every boater to become more environmentally-conscious this spring, including:
In times of emergency, a VHF radio can be one of the most important pieces of gear aboard a boat. This means of communication can be a boater's only line of communication from sea to shore or to nearby vessels, so it's important to select a radio that has the most advanced and the most helpful features. Here are the top reasons to own or simply upgrade a VHF radio.
Collins Bay Marina is a family-owned and -operated, 300-slip facility located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Situated between the Thousand Islands and the inland waters of Prince Edward County, it is home to boaters in a stunningly beautiful cruising area. Sailors enjoy the open waters and the faithful winds that brought the Summer Olympic sailing events to Kingston in 1976.
Protected by Amherst Island and the gentle curve of the bay, the marina is a secure weather hole affording excellent protection to boaters when Lake Ontario threatens.
Racine Yacht Club (RYC) is located on Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Root River in Racine, Wis., approximately 30 miles south of Milwaukee and 60 miles north of Chicago, Ill. RYC offers many attractions including its own slip system, dry sailing area, bar with flat panel TVs, dining area, patio, private beach with playground, and more.
The adventurous can join the racing fleet, the power squadron or the adult sailing classes for some excitement. Kids can be kept occupied during the summer with junior sailing classes.
Throughout the United States and the Great Lakes region, recreational boaters depend on shallow-draft recreational harbors for various functions, including as ports of refuge during inclement weather.
Mistakes at the launch—a hazard whenever cars, trucks, and trailers operate in close quarters—can result in more than a red face. Serious property damage and injuries can occur. This is why safety is every bit as important at launch as it is when your boat is on the water, or on the road. With nearly 13 million recreational boats registered in the United States, marinas are often crowded with operators so eager to launch that they forget or neglect key steps in the process.
To help answer the last question above, we first examine the standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA develops codes, standards, recommended practices and guidelines for the prevention of fire, explosions and for safety in the event of a fire. While the NFPA has no power to police or enforce compliance with its recommended standards, any jurisdiction or entity that adopts or incorporates NFPA standards may enforce them as they see fit.
