Master Safe Boating: 10 Essential Tips You’ll Need
Boating Safety: How NOT to Become Shark Bait!
When it comes to boating, there are the saints who practice safety at all times, and then there are the sinners who break all rules and are more likely to encounter a bear on water than reach their destination safely. If you love boating and don’t fall for the fish n chips combo offered by a mermaid in the middle of the sea, this safety guide is for you. And trust us; it’s far better than having a cruise with Captain Jack Sparrow.
Why Safety is Important: Seriously, Why?
While we have a sneaking suspicion some of you might consider the idea of meeting a swooning mermaid incredibly appealing, safety measures are the key to making your boating stories less about ‘and then we capsized,’ and more about ‘and then I caught the biggest fish.’ Yes, being safe is less fun, we know. But you know what is less fun? Getting lost, meeting pirates, getting marooned on an island, or worse, becoming shark food.
So, say aye aye, captain, and prepare to sail safely. The first port of call is understanding your boat.
Understanding Your Boat: No, we are not talking about Meditating with Your Boat
Like that dog you once befriended who turned out to be a meerkat (it can happen to anyone, right?), knowing your boat means understanding its language and instincts. If your boat could speak human (the universal language, obviously), it would probably tell you what it likes and dislikes. But barring that fantasy, let’s understand some basics.
The Bow and Stern
No, “The Bow and Stern” is not the name of a seafaring indie band, but the front and back of your boat, respectively. While the bow gracefully cuts through the waves, the stern merely follows the bow. Sort of like a Kevin following a Stuart (those are Minions for the uninitiated).
Port and Starboard
Think of these as the left and right side of your boat when facing forward. Which is which? If you’re facing the stern (remember, that’s the back), the port is your left and starboard is your right. If you forget, just remember that ‘port’ has the same number of letters as ‘left.’ Clever, right?
Avoid Overloading
That’s not just an outdated reference to the MTV show about a boy-band. Overloading is about having too many passengers or too much cargo on board. And by too much, we don’t mean carrying your collection of antique anvils.
Safety Tips: Things that could save your life, no biggie!
Now that we are done with boat lingo, let’s steer into safety tips to ensure that your favorite pastime doesn’t turn into a Lifetime movie plot.
Wear that Lifejacket
What do you call a boater without a lifejacket? A bobber. Remember, the biggest fashion faux pas on the water is not wearing a lifejacket. So wear it, and wear it right, unless you want to experience mermaid encounters firsthand.
No Drinking and Boating
The only type of spinning that should occur on a boat is from a fishing reel. So save the booze for the shore because water, waves, and white wine are a combination sure to make your stomach churn.
Keep Distress Signals Handy
Carrying distress signals is like having that one friend who always knows when to leave the party – a lifesaver! Flags, flares, mirrors, anything that screams, “Hey! Over here, ya big lug!” are what you need.
Be Cautious of Weather
Before setting sail, always have a chat with the weather gods (or just check a weather forecasting app, which is admittedly less cool). Bad weather on the water can be unpredictable and unforgiving, unlike your grandma’s pot roast.
Inspect Your Boat
Pre-season, pre-departure, post-journey, sunrise, sunset – inspection time is ANY time. Gaining familiarity with your boat and its pieces will reveal minor problems before they become significantly less minor. If something looks or smells fishy (and it’s not that huge catch you just made), it might need attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the red, right, returning rule always applicable?
While the red, right, returning rule is generally accepted, it’s not a law. Rules vary depending on your location and the specific situation, so always consult your local authorities.
How to make sure my life jackets are right?
They should snugly fit each passenger, regardless of weight, size, or bias toward orange. Be sure it has intact buckles, straps, and is free from tears, precisely like your heart after finishing your favorite TV series.
Should I pack my bear repellant spray for the boat?
While we are all for carrying safety equipment, but unless your water excursion takes you hibernating underwater caves, the bear spray might be a tad unnecessary.
Conclusion
The sea has been rather unforgiving to those who disrespected it. But remember, the term ‘lost at sea’ is a tad clichéd now. Let’s keep tales of sea monsters and pirates to children’s storybooks. The only kind of ‘overboard’ you should go is with boating safety. So buckle up, check your gear, and make sure you’re not leaving a trail of bread crumbs for sharks to follow. Stay safe, sailor!
