Safe yachting and boating should be the concern of everyone that is taking to the water for fun, relaxation, excitement, enjoyment, and fishing. Although there many aspects to discuss, today I’d just like to touch on a few tips and precautions for personal well-being.
Before heading out on your marine adventure, it is always important to let someone know where you are going and who will be with you. Having a float plan -- and sharing it with a responsible adult -- will help others know where to start looking for you if something should go wrong on the water. Accidents are never expected and always happen at the most inopportune times, so its good to make someone else aware of your whereabouts. Likewise, if you change your plan, be sure to let them know that, too!
A similar example -- not related to boating -- is when I need to make an unexpected trip to Florida’s west coast. It’s quite possible when driving across the state on that narrow, two-lane highway to miss a turn and slip off into a ditch where you may not be easily found. So I always let my office or my wife know my travel plans and when I expect to be back in town. On the water, similar things can happen and it is critical to know where to start looking in case of an accident.
For longer trips, I recommend a device called SPOT that lets people know your location with constant up-dates. It’s relatively inexpensive and could be invaluable in case of an emergency. For more information, please click the following link: http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php.
Personal safety also includes taking with you sun screen & proper sun protection (hats, long-sleeved shirts, etc.), a plentiful drinking water supply, and life jackets. Letting everyone know where the life jackets are stowed and how to use them is very important. Many times in the course of selling a pre-owned yacht, I find that the life jackets are still in the original factory wrap, stowed under a berth in one of the staterooms. Bad business when they need to be available for quick deployment in emergency!
Also, know your guests’ proficiency on the water such as whether they can swim, if they have ever piloted a boat or yacht, and if they have any medical issues that may affect their enjoyment.
Lastly: On every boat there should be a well-stocked first aid kit with up-to-date supplies. And be sure that those things used from the kit are replaced immediately.
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