Top 10 Boating Safety Tips

Top 10 Boating Safety Tips

1. Always wear a life jacket – make sure it’s the proper type! You should have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for every person on board. Click here for life jacket types.
2. Don’t boat under the influence – of alcohol or drugs.
3. Have a VHF radio – cell phones may not be enough. **
4. Submit a float plan – even for the shortest / simplest of trips!
5. Check the weather – know before you go.
6. Get educated – take a boating safety course.
7. Follow all navigational rules –  be alert!
8. Get a vessel safety check – USCG loves to give ‘em.
9. Have a first aid kit & boating safety kit – be CPR certified!
10. If you have a berth or “below-decks”, have a carbon monoxide alarm

** Register for a free Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and have a VHF radio equipped with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) installed and connected to your GPS.