Keeping your friends and family Safe while on the water
Posted by Pacer on 8th Mar 2021
*This Article was published on 03/08/2021 and was updated 01/09/2023*
As more and more people take to the water, the chances of boat problems, accidents, and injuries increase. According to the USCG (United States Coast Guard), more than 500 accidents on the water were caused by operator inattention in 2019 ( Source). We point this out to drive home the idea of safety. Being present in the moment isn't enough. You need to be aware of your surroundings as well. This is a surefire way to be safer on the water but there are other steps you can take as well. Steps that can help you to save lives. The importance of safety cannot be understated. Hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries occur each year due to boating activities and many of those tragedies could have been prevented with a combination of safety techniques and general boat maintenance.
"Being present in the moment isn't enough. You need to be aware of your surroundings as well."
This article aims at some of the most important aspects to consider when maintaining your boat and preparing to have a safe time on the water. We will take a look at several safety guidelines and tips that can decrease your chances of tragedy on the water and we will also look at several maintenance tips that can keep you from being stranded out there. These simple steps are meant, in part, to be a starting point to help you develop your own tips and techniques in order to keep your friends and family safe.
Note: To save you time we have condensed all of this information into an easy-to-read infographic you can see here.
What to keep in your "Boat Safety Kit":
Whether you are new to boating or a lifelong veteran, carrying a boat safety kit is just common sense. This kit should contain the proper selection of items so that you are prepared to handle a range of issues. A basic kit should include at least one flashlight with batteries, duct tape, a first aid kit, a flare gun with several flares, a whistle, at least 30 feet of rope, a mirror, a fire extinguisher, cable ties, and a spare life preserver. I know that list seems like a lot however, there is a multitude of problems you could run into, and having the tools you need to handle it is essential.
So why carry duct tape and a mirror? Most of these items seem obvious with a few being somewhat unusual but think about it for a second. Duct tape is extremely useful and can bind things together and even slow down leaks, so it is absolutely essential. As for the mirror, if all else fails you can use it to reflect light and get the attention of other boaters that cannot hear your whistle. Hopefully, you will never have to use it, but it is always better to be ready.
Ensure all life jackets fit properly
Just having life jackets is not enough, you need to have the proper fitting jackets based on chest size and age. People tend to think that having enough life jackets somehow makes them safe. I promise you that it does not. In fact, it is the opposite that holds true. An improperly fitting life jacket is actually more dangerous in many situations for several reasons. First off, an improperly fitting life jacket can actually prevent someone from swimming correctly and can contribute to their drowning. This can be especially true for children. Additionally, people wearing life jackets tend to feel safer meaning that they are more likely to take unnecessary risks which leads us back to point number one. Check each and every passenger each and every time to ensure that all life jackets fit snugly. If you are having trouble understanding the differences between the various types of life jackets, this article can help to shine some light on the subject. Now it's time to do some maintenance before you get your boat back on the water.
Check the Motor and All its parts
Giving your motor a cursory glance is not enough. Neither is just checking to see if it runs properly. To ensure that your motor is functioning correctly you need to consider just about every aspect of the motor itself. This includes things like the wiring, the trim, and the propeller. When you inspect the wiring in and around your motor, look for signs of damage to the insulation. Wires on boats tend to handle a large amount of vibration and flux which can lead to all sorts of issues. One simple solution is to employ wire management materials as they protect your wires from the harsh marine environment. This can be as simple as adding some split conduit or even spiral wrap . This way your electrical system is better equipped to handle that vibration and flux I mentioned previously.
"When you inspect the wiring in and around your motor, look for signs of damage to the insulation. Wires on boats tend to handle a large amount of vibration and flux which can lead to all sorts of issues."
As you check your trim and propeller make sure to look for signs of wear or corrosion. There are few things as subtly destructive as corrosion can be. If you happen to find any level of corrosion whatsoever, you need to treat it immediately. There is a wide range of tapes and sealants that can be used to help prevent the presence and spread of corrosion. Things like an Insulating Sealer are specifically designed to handle unforgiving marine conditions. Once you are satisfied with the condition of the motor and all its parts, it's time to move on to the battery.
Inspect the battery and its connections
Few parts of your electrical system are as crucial as the battery. If your battery fails and you shut your motor off, you are good as stuck. The good news is that this can be easily avoided. By cleaning, maintaining, and testing your battery you can rest assured that it will work when you need it to. The trick is that you need to consider more than just the battery itself. You must carefully look at the connection points, terminals, and posts. The first thing you will want to look for is the presence of corrosion. Once again, any corrosion must be dealt with. Once that is done, check to make sure that all connection points are tightened and fully secure. If you need to replace a battery cable assembly, you will find some of the best right here. If you just need to replace a battery post you can find those here and do not forget to cover the connection points of the battery cable with heat shrink. After you are sure that your battery is ready to go, it is time to inspect your tools.
Check your toolbox
Tools are essential for every boater. You never know when you may need to make an adjustment to a piece of equipment, repair something onboard your vessel, or even replace a part like a belt. Having the tools, you will need is a no-brainer, but there is a little more to it than that. Checking your toolbox ensures that any tools you may have removed have been returned. The last thing that you want to deal with is having an issue while out on the water, opening your toolbox only to realize you left a tool on the workbench. Beyond these issues, you need to test your tools periodically to make sure that they, in fact, work as intended. If you have owned a tool for several years and barely used it, there is a chance it may not function properly. The best course of action is to give each tool a quick once-over to make sure that they are up to the task. If you find some tools that need replacing, a good place to start is here. Once you are satisfied with your tools, it's time to inspect your fuel, fuel lines, and containers.
Check your fuel, lines, and containers
One of the quickest ways to strand yourself on the water is to run out of fuel. More than just having fuel, you need to ensure that your fuel containers and fuel lines are fully functioning and undamaged. Start with the fuel tank itself. Inspect for signs of damage and pay attention for leaks. If you find a fuel leak anywhere at all, it must be addressed before you take the boat out on the water. If you have the type of tank where you can look inside, check for signs of water in the fuel as this is a serious problem. Once the tank looks good, move on to the fuel lines paying careful attention to the connection points. Fuel lines should have a decent amount of flexibility and not be rigid or stiff. Additionally, there should be no signs of cracking or splitting. Any sign of either warrants immediate replacement. Now that we have completed the majority of the maintenance, it’s a good time to discuss a float plan.
"If you have the type of tank where you can look inside, check for signs of water in the fuel as this is a serious problem."
Create and distribute a float plan
A float plan can mean the difference between rescue and tragedy. Let me explain. A float plan is a detailed document that explains the different aspects of your planned trip. For a more detailed explanation, see our article here. So, your detailed float plan needs to include things like departure point, departure time, the number of passengers and their information, intended path, intended destinations, stops, return time, and more. This way, if something goes wrong, and you do not report in by a specific time, someone will know to notify the authorities to begin a search. Speaking of authorities, it is a good idea to leave a copy of your float plan with your marina or local agency. This is on top of leaving it with at least two trusted individuals of course. You should always leave your float plan with two people whom you know that you can trust. People who will report the issue if you do not turn up. It is important to remind you to always close out a float plan. That means when you arrive safely and are loaded up ready to go home, contact all parties that have a copy of your float plan and make sure that they understand you have returned safely. This simple step will save frustration and heartache. Another thing you always want to be aware of is the weather.
Check the weather more than once
The weather can change very quickly and with it, your plans can change too. Being aware of the weather is a suggestion that cannot be stressed enough. You should check the weather a few days before your trip as well as the morning of. Personally, I always check the weather one more time a few minutes before unloading at the dock. A good idea is to look at the forecast for the coming days as well. This will give you a notion as to if a rapid change in weather is likely. If today is sunny but the next four days are 80%-90% chance of rain, well it stands to reason it might rain today as well. Simple steps of logic will go a long way to keep you safe. Another tip is to check the weather periodically throughout the day. This does not mean obsess over the weather all day long but be aware of it at all times. Look for subtle changes in the weather and you will have a head start on beating a storm.
A Quick, but Helpful Infographic and Additional Checklist
The water is always unpredictable, but you can take steps to help prepare for many possible outcomes. By maintaining your vessel and following basic safety guidelines, you can go a long way towards keeping you and your passengers safe. Below is a quick infographic that you can print out if needed to help you remember some of the core areas of your boat to maintain as well as some important things to keep in mind. Below that, you will see a button that will take you to a more thorough checklist for Florida boaters that is printer-friendly. Whether you are in Florida or not, this checklist is a great starting point. Stay safe.
