National Safe Boating Week Tip #3 - File a Float Plan

One of the simplest and most effective ways to increase the safety of those on your boat is to always file a float plan before going out on the water. The float plan can be as simple as a post-it note or a text message to a responsible friend or family member staying on land. You need to include where you are planning to go, what time you plan to be back, and who to contact in an emergency. That way, if you don’t make it back when you said you would, emergency personnel can be notified and will know when and where to start looking for you.

Another option is that you can go to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s website and print a copy of their official Float Plan form, fill it out with the basic information about you, your boat and the emergency equipment you carry. Then you can make a lot of copies regarding details of the trip for that day and leave copies with friends and family members on land.