Key Guidelines and Tips for Ultimate Boating Safety

Alright, listen up. You daredevils and creating-a-stir-on-the-water fanatics… I’m talking to you! We’re about to descend into the mysterious and unpredictable world of boating safety and tips.

You’d be forgiven for thinking boating was simply about letting the wind whip through your hair as you elegantly carve the waters. But, like sneezing with your eyes open (try it), there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Pre-departure Checklist… it's no joke!

Remember grandma’s never-ending knit-one-pearl-two masterpiece she can’t finish? Boating is kinda like that. There’s an ongoing list you’ll want to tick off before setting adrift. Do you have enough life jackets aboard? Checked the weather report? Does your vessel have an excess of cheesy Celine Dion tunes that could pose a significant risk to your crew’s morale? These are all critical questions.

Technically, the last point isn’t a legal requirement (but it should be). However, the pre-departure checklist is serious business, people.

Navigation Rules – not unlike playing 'Chicken'

Imagine two daredevils on water skis speeding towards each other at 60 MPH… who gives way? Are there referee whales making those calls? Fear not, for there are Navigation Rules out there serving as the referee. Unsurprisingly, they pretty much descend into “don’t crash into each other”, but the specifics can be complicated. Believe us, knowing these rules is slightly more important than knowing the entire dialogue from your favorite sitcom rerun.

Don't drink and… boat?

So, you know drinking and driving don’t mix. A surprise to absolutely nobody. Well, the same applies when you’re helming a vessel. Operation Dry Water is on the charge here, with a national campaign to raise awareness about boating under the influence. Don’t be that guy who tells fishy stories of operating a boat while intoxicated. Show off your sobriety instead. It’s cooler.

Getting the safety gear right is a big deal. No, your dancing inflatable arm-flailing tubeman isn’t going to cut it, even if he is wearing a life jacket. Essential gear includes life jackets, fire extinguishers, distress signals, and an emergency radio. One more thing, floating keychains! Because if your keys do a Titanic, it’s gonna be a long swim home.

Frequently Asked Questions… or the 'duh' list

Do I really need a life jacket?

Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Yeeeeeessssss. To add humor: Do fish need water?

Is sunscreen imperative while boating?

That would be another resounding yes. Unless you’re practicing for your audition as a spotty red lobster, slather on the SPF!

Do alcohol and boating mix?

Refer to the title ‘Don’t drink and… boat?’ above, buddy. It’s a no from us. And the law.

Can spontaneously singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’ cause any harm?

Only to your dignity…and possibly eardrums around you.

Conclusion: Common sense, a superpower?

Boating is a classic way to enjoy your summer or make the most out of a weekend getaway. However, safety should be always your main text without italics!! Boating isn’t about throwing caution to the wind while you turn up the volume on ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. It’s about being wiser than the guy who thought microwaving his phone would charge it faster.

So, put on that life jacket, slather on some sunscreen, say no to that beer, and follow your checklist. And let’s not forget to keep Celine Dion usage to a minimum. Happy and safe boating!