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Spring Boating Safety Tips

Posted By Gail Kulp, Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Updated: Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Spring Boating Safety Tips

Spring is here which means it is time for warmer weather, sunny skies, and fun with friends or family members on the boat! Before you pack those bags and head out on your spring boating trip, the Sea Tow Foundation has 6 tips to help you have a safe AND fun time on the water.

1.    Take a Boating Safety Class Now. Many states require taking a passing a boating safety course and getting a boating license or boating certificate. Whether you’re renting a boat, recently bought a boat, or have years of boating experience, you’ll pick up some pointers and boost your marine confidence as well as satisfy requirements for boaters in Florida. And you could be eligible for a discount on your boat-owners insurance for passing a course, too. Boating safety courses are offered both online and in person through our friends with the America’s Boating Club (formerly known as the U.S. Power Squadrons) or take an interactive, online course through our friends at iLearntoBoat. You can also find other courses available through your state boating agency. 

2.    Ask for Advice. Spring boating trips may involve traveling to new and exciting destinations. If you are unfamiliar with the bay, lake, river or ocean you’re headed to, it’s smart to talk to the local Sea Tow captains in the area who will happily share water conditions, current patterns, routes and (bonus!) wildlife watching tips.  

3.    Pack the sunscreen. If you’re not used to the sun and warmer temperatures or with being outdoors for a good portion of the day, you will soon by surprised by a nasty sunburn. Put on some sunscreen and don’t forget a hat and polarized sunglasses, too.

4.    Reserve now. If you are planning to rent a boat during the spring season, make sure you’ve got the rental confirmed well in advance of your trip and reach out to the company ahead of time to see if you need to bring anything for the boat with you. They should provide you with an orientation to your rental boat as well as all of the safety equipment required. If you are taking your own boat out, make sure your boat trailer is ready for the road with good tires, straps and chains. Plus, check that the boat ramp is still open and that you find out where you can park your vehicle and trailer while you’re out on the water. 

5.    Once you get to your trip, follow the ABCD rule.

a.    Always Wear Life Jackets. Every passenger should wear a properly fitted U.S Coast Guard (USCG)-approved life jacket. And remember that adult-size life jackets aren’t meant for children. If you’ve forgotten to pack your own or need extras, you can always stop by a Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Station to borrow them for the day.

b.    Bring along safety gear. Emergency preparation = peace of mind. No matter the size of your boat, these are the absolute essentials to keep on board:

  •                         Marine VHF radio
  •                         First aid kit
  •                         Fire extinguisher
  •                         Tool kit
  •                         Flashlight and extra batteries
  •                         Duct tape
  •                         Bucket
  •                         Waterproof whistle or horn
  •                         Lines
  •                        Emergency signaling equipment

c.     Check—and Recheck—the Weather. Choppy waters can’t always be predicted. If conditions aren’t favorable, don’t chance it. There are many apps and websites that help you know the conditions before you go and to continue to check on the weather while you are out on the water.

d.    Designate a Sober Skipper. Never, ever operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The wind, sun and boat vibration all contribute to increased impairment, even after a single beer. Responsible boaters carry plenty of water, non-alcoholic drinks and food on board. To learn more and Take the Pledge,  check out our Sober Skipper Campaign.

6.    Share Your Trip to Social. Did your spring boating trip really happen if you didn’t document it? Be sure to tag us in all your photos and adventures on all of our social media platforms: Instagram (@seatowfoundation),  Facebook (@SeaTowFoundation), Twitter (@SeaTowFdn) and LinkedIn (@seatowfoundation).
 

Have a fantastically fun and super safe spring break!

 

Tags:  2019-20  Boating Safety Course  Fire Extinguisher  Float Plan  Life Jacket  Sober Skipper  spring break  Weather 

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Spring Into Boating

Posted By Kim Perry, Monday, April 4, 2022
Updated: Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Now that we are fully into spring, there are many people who are already out on the water enjoying the spring weather and there are also people who are just starting to think about getting the boat ready to head out for the first time this year. Whether you find yourself in the first group or the second, there are definitely some steps every boater should take to make sure you’re ready for the spring and summer boating season. The Sea Tow Foundation has you covered as you “spring into boating” if you just follow these 5 tips:

1. Spring Clean Your Boat
Start by wiping down any dust and dirt that many have accumulated. Clean the seats and treat the fabric to prevent mold from forming. This is also a good time to wax the boat.

2. Check the Electronics, Wiring and Hoses
Look for loose connections, frayed wires and split hoses. If you know how to make the necessary repairs, you can tackle them yourself, but having a good boat mechanic on speed-dial is also a plus to make sure that everything is done correctly the first time.

3. Inspect the Safety Equipment
Check on the expiration dates for the fire extinguisher and emergency flares and replace any that have expired. You can also get an e-flare instead of your old pyrotechnic flares and never have to buy flares again! Also, check the life jackets to make sure that they have not mildewed or dry-rotted. While mildew can be cleaned using these tips, you must get rid of a life jacket with broken straps or dry-rot. This is also a good time to make sure the life jackets still fit everyone who will be wearing them. If the kids grew over the winter, they may need a new life jacket.

4. Update the Float Plan
Whether you use a written form or an app, make sure that the information in your float plan is updated with all of the details that you want rescuers to know if you should fail to come back on time from your boating trip and your family needs to call and start a search for you.

5. Refresh Your Knowledge
Take a boating safety class and look for any updated laws that you should know about related to the waters where you plan to go boating. Update your maps and charts as well to ensure that they contain all of the buoys and navigation aids that you may encounter.

We’re just as excited as you about getting out on the water, but making sure the boat is ready to go for another season is an important part. Once you’re ready to launch, check out these 4 Spring Boating Safety Tips from a Sea Tow Captain for tips to keep you safe out on the water.

Did we miss any tips? What would you include on your list? Let us know in the comments.

To continue providing these blogs, please consider a donation to the Sea Tow Foundation today to help us continue our efforts to educate boaters and keep them safe on the water. You can donate securely online at www.boatingsafety.com/donatetoday or by clicking on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.

Tags:  boat cleaning  boat electronics  boat laws  boating safety course  fire extinguisher  flares  float plan  inspect boat  life jacket fit  safety equipment  sea tow foundation  spring boat cleaning  spring cleaning boat  spring conditioning  wax boat 

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

Posted By Gail Kulp, Monday, May 24, 2021
Updated: Monday, May 10, 2021

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.

Tags:  boating safety  float plan  National Safe Boating Week  nsbw21 

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Top 5 Boating Safety Trends

Posted By Gail Kulp, Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Updated: Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Top 5 Boating Safety Trends

 

At the Sea Tow Foundation, our entire mission is to provide access to education, tools and resources in order to eliminate preventable recreational boating accidents and deaths. This year, we have compiled a list of the top 5 boating safety trends to pay special attention to as you take your vessel out on the water.

 

1) Wear Life Jackets

Every year, there are too many drownings that could have been prevented by the use of a life jacket. Not only is it required by law to have one life jacket per person on board the boat, but it can make a life or death difference during an emergency. It does not matter how strong a swimmer a person might be. Life jackets are the key to boating safety.

 

If you or one of your passengers does not have a life jacket for a day out on the boat, take a look at the Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Database to find a Life Jacket Loaner Station near you. Life Jacket Loaner Stands are placed in locations where boaters have easy access to borrow the life jackets such as boat ramps, marinas, and fuel docks. Boaters may borrow the jackets at no cost and are asked to return them when they are finished so that others may use the life jackets.

 

2) Designate a Sober Skipper

Boating under the influence is against the law in every state and territory. The operator of a boat must be alert and be able to pay attention to their surroundings. And with already having to deal with the wind, vibration, noise, and the sun, adding alcohol to the situation makes matters dangerous and deadly. By taking the Sober Skipper Pledge and designating a sober skipper before leaving the dock, you are promising to take care of your passengers and yourself, ensuring that everyone can have a safe and fun time on the water.

 

3) File a Float Plan

A float plan is a great way to provide an overview of your boating plans for the day. This can be as simple as a note or text to a friend staying back on land and it can help give the authorities a head start in looking for you, should a problem arise. A float plan should include a description of your boat, the number of passengers onboard, the starting point, the ultimate destination, and the general route planned. You also want to include contact information for the authorities and a timeframe, so that if you aren’t back at the designated time, you know that your friend will call for help. All of this is a good way to prepare and know that someone can find you in case of an emergency. The U.S. Coast Guard's free mobile app has a float plan that you can fill out and send to family and friends.

 

4) Know Local Boating Laws

Every state has its own laws for boating. Make sure that before you cast off, you know what is expected of you and your passengers. Are there certain places you can and cannot fish or certain times when fishing isn’t allowed? Do you have to wear a life jacket during certain cold weather months and what age is required to wear a life jacket at all times? Who is required to take a boating safety course and carry a certificate in this state? These are things you have to be certain of before heading out on the water so that you don’t get a citation. Check out our recent article on how to find out your state's boating laws by clicking here.

 

 

5) Build Your Safety Toolkit

Being safe out on the water is much easier when you have the right tools available for the right situation. By keeping an up-to-date safety toolkit, you can make sure that, if an emergency should arise, you and your passengers will be able to face it properly. A well-stocked toolkit should include emergency flares, a flashlight, a first aid kit, some non-perishable food, extra drinking water, rain and cold weather clothing, a bailing bucket, rope, a paddle, a whistle, and an emergency blanked. All of these items should be packed in a waterproof case that will float so that you can have access to everything no matter what happens. Reach out to our friends at the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and America’s Boating Club to schedule a free Vessel Safety Check before your next boating trip!

 

What do you see as a top boating safety trend in your local waterways? Share in the comments below.

If you found this article helpful or entertaining, please consider a donation to the Sea Tow Foundation today to help us continue our efforts to educate boaters and keep them safe on the water. You can donate securely online at www.boatingsafety.com/donatetoday or by clicking on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.


Tags:  boating laws  boating safety  bui  float plan  life jacket  life jacket loaner program  life jackets  sober skipper  toolkit  vessel safety check 

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Text Someone Where you are Going

Posted By Gail Kulp, Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Updated: Thursday, April 9, 2020

May 19 - Text Someone Where you are Going

 

Texting or telling someone your float plan for the day ensures that if your boat excursion extends longer than planned or if you run into trouble, someone will know where you were headed and have an idea of where to send rescuers to look for you.

Thousands of hours and dollars are spent searching for missing boaters each year. While many of these searches are for a good reason, a number of them are due to the fact that no one knew when the boaters were supposed to be back or where they were going in the first place.

Taking five minutes to fill out a float plan would have prevented many of these needless searches or allowed rescuers to narrow down the area in which they are searching. The purpose of a float plan is to explain where you plan to boat, how long you will be gone, and when you plan to return. In addition, you should provide a number to call if you fail to return by the appointed time. You should give your float plan to a trusted friend or family member staying on the store. And, at the end of your boating trip, don't forget to call your friend or family member to let him/her know that you made it home safely. Click this link to the US Coast Guard Auxiliary's Float Plan Form. Please note that this is not filed with the Coast Guard and will still need to be printed and given to a friend or family member.

Today’s letter is T.

Tags:  2019-20  Boating Safety  Float Plan  National Safe Boating Week  US Coast Guard Auxiliary 

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Tow Bee Boating Safety Tip: File a Float Plan Before Each Outing!

Posted By Michael Wesolowski, Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Updated: Thursday, January 30, 2020

Tow Bee Boating Safety Tip: File a Float Plan Before Each Outing!

Thousands of hours and dollars are spent searching for missing boaters each year. While many of these searches are for good reason, a number of them are due to the fact that no one knew when the boaters were supposed to be back or where they were going in the first place.

Taking five minutes to fill out a float plan would have prevented many of these needless searches or allowed rescuers to narrow down the area in which they are searching. The purpose of a float plan is to explain where you plan to boat, how long you will be gone and when you plan to return as well as provide a phone number to call if you fail to return by the appointed time. Then, you give your float plan to a trusted friend staying on the shore. And, at the end of your boating trip, don't forget to call your friend to cancel your float plan and let him/her know that you made it home safely.

Click this link to US Coast Guard Float Plan Form

Click here for more Tow Bee Boating Safety Tips!

Tags:  Float Plan  Tow Bee Boating Safety Tips 

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Tow Bee Boating Safety Tips!

Posted By Michael Wesolowski, Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Updated: Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Tow Bee Boating Safety Tips!

Tow Bee makes it easy to talk about boating safety with family and friends. Review the links below and share with people important to you.

  • Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly!
  • Check Weather Forecast Before Each Outing!
  • Choose the Right Fuel For Your Boat!
  • Dangers of Fire on a Boat!
  • Designate a Sober Skipper!
  • File a Float Plan Before Each Outing!
  • Have Life Jackets on Hand!
  • Keep Sunshine in Mind!
  • Review First Mate Checklist Before Leaving the Dock!
  • Stay Hydrated!
  • Take a Boating Safety Course!
  • Wear Your Life Jacket!

 

Tags:  Boating Safety Course  Carbon monoxide  First Mate Checklist  Float Plan  Fuel  Keep Hydrated  Life Jacket  Sober Skipper  Sunshine  Tow Bee Boating Safety Tips  Wear Your Life Jacket  Weather 

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