Boating Safely While on Vacation
By Kadence Buchanan
People who take boat trips often fail to realize the potential
disasters that can ensue if they are not careful and safe
on-board their boat. Over 1,000 people die on boating trips per
year, and many of the dangers associated with boating are easily
preventable. In this article, we'll give some tips to help you
to avoid the potential pitfalls that one may wake while
operating a boat.
- When it comes to fueling up your boat, be sure to turn off
all electricity and do NOT smoke. Keep everybody except the
person doing the fueling off of the boat until the process is
completed, and be sure that all fittings are tightly secured
when you are finished. Also, be sure not to fill your tank past
its capacity.
- If your boat has capsized, it's important to follow
procedures to ensure the safety of all aboard. Remain calm, and
ensure that everybody sticks together. Whenever possible, remain
as close to the boat as you can, unless there is an inherent
danger close by.
- Always be wary of alcohol consumption whilst on board. 9 out
of 10 boating deaths are due to drowning and you are much more
likely to fall out of the boat whilst intoxicated.
Consequently, while under the influence, the body cannot
efficiently warm itself as much as when you are sober. Also,
intoxication can result in disorientation when under water, and
you may not be able to determine which direction the surface is.
- If a fire takes place on board, the first thing that you
need to do is stop moving the boat. The wind can whip the fire
into a bigger problem than it already is. Turn off your
electricity after radioing for help. If the fire is caused by
wood, fabric, or another dry source, pour water on it. Oil and
grease fires can be extinguished with an on-board fire
extinguisher, and you should aim for the base of the fire while
extinguishing.
- As silly as it may sound, many men drown in boating
accidents due to the need to relieve themselves. They may lean
off the side of the boat, hit a wave, and fall in. To alleviate
this concern, it's best to keep a jug on the boat which you can
empty and wash in the water when you're done. It can greatly
decrease your risk of drowning while on-board.
Now that you know some of the basic methods for keeping
yourself safe while out on the water, you can better protect
yourself and your family. Be sure to follow all of the
guidelines listed above, and you'll be much more confident in
your boating safety.
About The Author:
Kadence Buchanan writes articles for
http://4boatingstuff.com/. In addition, Kadence also writes
articles for http://thetennisstop.net/ and
http://igolfcentral.net/
