| Whether you are an experienced or a newcomer just | | | | functioning. For children, it would be best to get a |
| getting into the field, it is important to follow certain | | | | children's size for them, as an adult size can slip off |
| safety protocols while on the open water. Boating is a | | | | easily in the water. |
| great hobby that allows people to bond and have a | | | | An excellent way to learn about boating safety is |
| great time fishing and enjoying the scenery. Travelling | | | | under the instruction of a professional. There are |
| by boat allows access to beautiful areas of nature | | | | boating instruction courses available which teach |
| that could otherwise not be accessed by foot. We will | | | | newcomers the ins and outs of safety on the water. |
| talk about some of the important safety measures to | | | | Even if you are an experienced boater, you will find |
| follow while boating. | | | | these courses to be informative and thought provoking. |
| The boat captain has the most important | | | | Before navigating the open waters, be sure you know |
| responsibilities of the crew. Safety is the number one | | | | how to navigate and follow navigational cues. Even if |
| concern for everyone onboard. Occupants should be | | | | you have a high tech GPS device, there will be times |
| given a short briefing on how to stay safe onboard. | | | | the technology will fail and you will need to navigate |
| The captain is also responsible for the safety | | | | the old fashioned way. Learn the meaning of buoys |
| equipment and how to operate it properly. Knowing | | | | and beacons so you can follow protocol and don't |
| how to handle emergency situations is the best way | | | | cause a collision. Larger boats cannot turn as fast so it |
| to prevent accidents and save lives if something goes | | | | is important to follow the designated boating lanes if |
| wrong. | | | | they are in place. |
| The number one rule is to have lifejackets onboard. | | | | Finally, it is imperative to realize the importance of being |
| Carry enough lifejackets for each occupant and make | | | | aware and alert at all times. Unexpected debris in the |
| it a requirement to wear them. Most fatalities and | | | | water or sudden weather changes can require a |
| injuries occur when a passenger falls overboard and | | | | knowledgeable response on your part. Boating under |
| either gets injured or drowns. This can easily be | | | | the influence of alcohol is a big mistake, and many |
| avoided by wearing a proper fitting vest. A US Coast | | | | collisions have resulted from people who made the |
| Guard approved vest is the best you can get. These | | | | wrong decision. |
| adhere to certain safety measures that ensure proper | | | | |