Basic Boating Safety
Spending some quality time out on the water with friends and family in your boat is the perfect way to spend a hot, sunny day. But before you do so, you’ll want to make sure that you’re practicing good boat safety. Being responsible and prepared before you enter the water will help to minimize issues and avert disasters, and it can relieve your stress to know that you’ve got the tools and knowledge you need to be safe.
Bob Hewes Boats, with three locations in North Miami and one location in Pompano Beach, is proud to be your Florida boat dealer. To help you stay safe out there this boating season, here are our top safety tips for boats.
Gear Up
You’ll want to stock your boat with some essential safety gear. The most important item to have is a personal flotation device (PFD) for every passenger. These are sometimes called life jackets, but PFD is the correct term. Everyone should wear one at all times on board, and you should also have a throwable life ring for people who fall overboard.
Carry an emergency radio and some signal flares in case your engine dies in the middle of the water and you need assistance. You may also want to carry some tools for minor repairs and a flashlight, in addition to extra food and water, all of your boat’s papers, a chart of the area you’ll be boating in, your GPS unit, your cell phone, a multi-tool with a knife and an anchor.
Know the Laws
It’s important to know the laws for wherever you plan to boat, whether it’s in a lake, a river, off the Atlantic Coast or in the Gulf of Mexico. Here in Florida, a license isn’t required, but a Boating Safety Education ID card is. Everyone on board is required to wear a Type I, II or III PFD as well. You should also have a fire extinguisher on board and some visual distress signals. Boat insurance is not mandatory in Florida by law, but many marinas require it and it’s a good idea to have it. You’ll also want to make sure that your boat is properly registered.
Check the Forecast
One of the main causes of boating accidents is inclement weather. Avoid the perils of the high seas by checking the forecast before your departure. If things look murky, delay your trip. You’ll want to avoid high winds, heavy rains, extreme cold, hail and lightning. A mild drizzle isn’t much cause for concern, though; just make sure you’ve got a rain poncho!
If you’re already out on the water and you notice the clouds starting to thicken, make sure that you immediately pack up and head for shore as quickly and safely as possible. You don’t want to wait for those high winds to hit you full-on, especially if you’re in a smaller craft.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Making sure that your boat stays in good working order is an essential part of boat safety. Perform regular maintenance as needed, according to your owner’s manual. You’ll want to ensure that your fuel tanks are filled up before you leave and that your oil is clean. You should also inspect the bilges to see that they are dry and that the pumps are working. Clean up any spilled waste to prevent discharge into the water. If you smell fuel while your engine is running, try running the blowers for a few minutes, then restart the engine. If the smell persists, you should stop the engine to locate the leak.
Remember: if your boat needs some professional attention before you take it out on the water this spring, get in touch with our service department! Our mechanics are here to help you. Still need a boat? Visit one of our four locations to take a look at our wide selection of new and used boats for sale. We also provide financing options to help you fund your purchase. Bob Hewes Boats proudly serves greater Miami, as well as Fort Lauderdale, Florida.