We are only two short months away from our favorite time of year—  SUMMER. We know many of you are itching to get out on the water, and trust us, so are we! Got your boat ready to hit the water? While prepping your boat with drinks, snacks, and sunscreen this summer, make sure you are also prioritizing your boat safety. Make your summer boating days, even better days, by keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. We’ve included a simple boating safety checklist that is sure to keep you not only out of trouble with boating authorities, but most importantly, safe.

 

DOCUMENTATION

This includes your boat’s title and registration. This is going to be one of the first things authorities ask for if you get pulled over, so make sure you have this readily available!

 

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFD) ARE IMPERATIVE 

One PFD (life jacket) is required for each person on board. While adults don’t have to actively wear theirs, children under the age of 12 must have theirs on anytime the vessel is moving. If you or any of your passengers are skiing behind the boat, they must be wearing one as well. This is probably the most important step you could check off of your safety checklist. According to the U.S. Coast Guard. 76% of boating deaths in 2017 were due to drowning, and 84% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket.

 

THROWABLE FLOTATION DEVICES

In addition to the personal flotation devices you’ll already have for each passenger, you’ll also need at least one throwable flotation device. This would be thrown to an individual in the water in case trouble arises. This also eliminates another passenger having to enter the water and put themselves in danger.

 

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

We’re sure some of you are wondering— why the need for a fire extinguisher on a boat? Well, since boats use gasoline to run, this causes a fire hazard. Boats under 26 feet need at least one B-1 type extinguisher and boats 26 to just under 40 feet need two B-1 types or one B-2 type. Fire extinguishers can be tricky to work, so make sure to educate yourself and your family before going out for the day. 

 

VISUAL SIGNALING DEVICE

A flare gun is a perfect example of this. If your boat is 16 feet or larger, you must have one VDS, which is only to be used in emergency situations.

 

SOUND SIGNALING DEVIDE (SSD)

This includes any device that produces sound, such as bells, whistles, and horns.

 

So that’s it! Make sure your boat is prepped with these 5 safety items, and you’re sure to not only stay out of trouble with boating authorities, but you’ll keep you and your loved ones safe. These are all of the items required by law, but past these, you may want to also think about bringing:

• Flashlight
• Anchor 
• First aid kit
• Knife
• Cell phone

 

Stay tuned for the next LaPorte blog!