Stay Safe on the Water This 4th of July - Boating Safety Tips
A lot of traveling happens over a holiday. Around our Southern Missouri Powersports & marine dealership in Lebanon, that traveling happens both on the road and on the water.
Last week we shared some motorcycle safety tips to keep in mind over the 4th of July. (Most of those tips work equally well for car trips!) Today LSK Lebanon is focusing our safety tips at all of you getting out on the lake over the holiday.
Don't Drink & Drive
This is an obvious safety tip but, just like we said last week, one worth a reminder. It is against the law to drive a boat while under the influence. Passengers, on the other hand, may have open containers on the water. Make sure that your passengers are aware, though, that being intoxicated on a boat can be dangerous.
Use Common Sense
Simply using a little common sense will go a long way in keeping you and everyone on your boat safe. Stay alert, maintain a safe speed on the water, and learn about the boat you will be driving as well as the area you will be traveling in before heading out.
Check the weather before you leave and bring the clothing and equipment you might need to manage the predicted weather. Keep an eye out for any sudden changes in the weather and get off of the water if necessary. Lastly, always make sure your passengers know how important it is that they obey boating safety rules as well.
Know the Rules of the "Road"
Even though to the new boater it might appear that it's a free-for-all out on the water, there are "nautical rules of the road" that keep everyone out there safe from running into each other. The best way to learn those rules is by taking a boater safety course.
Effective as of January 1, 2005, it's a law that any person born after January 1, 1984, must successfully pass a Missouri Boater Education class/test before operating a motorized vessel on any lakes in this state. Even if you're old enough to miss that deadline, a safety class is just a wise idea.
The Water Patrol Division charges a $15 fee for the boater identification card but it is free to take the classroom course conducted by a marine trooper. You also have the opportunity to take an approved online boating safety course as well. Different fees apply to that course.
Life Jackets & Safety Gear
Missouri law requires all boats to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board and accessible for each person on the boat. Children under the age of 7 are required to wear that life jacket. Make sure before heading out that you have the right size life jackets to properly fit every passenger.
In Missouri, it is also required by law that you have a fire extinguisher and a whistle or airhorn on board. It's a good idea to keep other items with you that might come in handy in an emergency, such as a first aid kit, flashlights with extra batteries, towels, a blanket, a dry change of clothes, etc... Knowing your travel plans ahead of time can help you decide which items may come in handy.
Don't Overload the Boat
Don't pack on more equipment than your boat can hold and invite more passengers than it can handle. If a watercraft is overloaded in any way it could unbalance the craft, not allowing you to drive it safely.
Watersport Safety
If you will be skiing, tubing, or taking part in any type of activity other than just sitting in the boat, there are a few things to keep in mind to stay safe. Always have a spotter on the lookout for the person in the water and know the proper hand signals to communicate with each other.
A skier-down flag must be displayed clearly whenever a towed person is in the water but not currently being towed. This way other boaters know that there is a person in the water. Stay clear of the engine while outside of the boat and wait for the propeller to stop before climbing back into the boat.
File a Float Plan
While not a law, it's always a good idea to leave a float plan with a friend or family member. That way, if an accident does happen while you are out on the water someone will know to come looking for you.
You can find a float plan form to fill out online or simply leave the necessary information with someone staying behind. Basically, it needs to describe your vessel including the registration number, state the route you plan to take, a list of passengers, your contact information, emergency contact information, and your planned departure and return times.
Get a FREE Vessel Safety Check
This is an inspection of your boat performed with both you and a volunteer member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Boats either pass or fail. Passed watercraft receive a decal indicating everything is in working order. There is no penalty for failing but you will be given a list of reasons why your boat did not pass so that you can get them fixed.
This free safety inspection is offered to keep our waterways and everyone on them safe. You can find out about scheduling your own safety check by visiting the Vessel Safety Check Website.
Boating is a fun summertime activity but if you don't take proper precautions that fun can easily be ruined. All of us here at LSK Lebanon want everyone to stay safe out on the water. There's a lot to see and do out there! Be careful and stay alert and you'll have many chances to enjoy the excitement of boating in Missouri.
Website:
www.LSKLebanon.com
801 N Jefferson Ave
Lebanon, MO 65536
Last week we shared some motorcycle safety tips to keep in mind over the 4th of July. (Most of those tips work equally well for car trips!) Today LSK Lebanon is focusing our safety tips at all of you getting out on the lake over the holiday.
Don't Drink & Drive
This is an obvious safety tip but, just like we said last week, one worth a reminder. It is against the law to drive a boat while under the influence. Passengers, on the other hand, may have open containers on the water. Make sure that your passengers are aware, though, that being intoxicated on a boat can be dangerous.
Use Common Sense
Simply using a little common sense will go a long way in keeping you and everyone on your boat safe. Stay alert, maintain a safe speed on the water, and learn about the boat you will be driving as well as the area you will be traveling in before heading out.
Check the weather before you leave and bring the clothing and equipment you might need to manage the predicted weather. Keep an eye out for any sudden changes in the weather and get off of the water if necessary. Lastly, always make sure your passengers know how important it is that they obey boating safety rules as well.
Know the Rules of the "Road"
Even though to the new boater it might appear that it's a free-for-all out on the water, there are "nautical rules of the road" that keep everyone out there safe from running into each other. The best way to learn those rules is by taking a boater safety course.
Effective as of January 1, 2005, it's a law that any person born after January 1, 1984, must successfully pass a Missouri Boater Education class/test before operating a motorized vessel on any lakes in this state. Even if you're old enough to miss that deadline, a safety class is just a wise idea.
The Water Patrol Division charges a $15 fee for the boater identification card but it is free to take the classroom course conducted by a marine trooper. You also have the opportunity to take an approved online boating safety course as well. Different fees apply to that course.
Life Jackets & Safety Gear
Missouri law requires all boats to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board and accessible for each person on the boat. Children under the age of 7 are required to wear that life jacket. Make sure before heading out that you have the right size life jackets to properly fit every passenger.
In Missouri, it is also required by law that you have a fire extinguisher and a whistle or airhorn on board. It's a good idea to keep other items with you that might come in handy in an emergency, such as a first aid kit, flashlights with extra batteries, towels, a blanket, a dry change of clothes, etc... Knowing your travel plans ahead of time can help you decide which items may come in handy.
Don't Overload the Boat
Don't pack on more equipment than your boat can hold and invite more passengers than it can handle. If a watercraft is overloaded in any way it could unbalance the craft, not allowing you to drive it safely.
Watersport Safety
If you will be skiing, tubing, or taking part in any type of activity other than just sitting in the boat, there are a few things to keep in mind to stay safe. Always have a spotter on the lookout for the person in the water and know the proper hand signals to communicate with each other.
A skier-down flag must be displayed clearly whenever a towed person is in the water but not currently being towed. This way other boaters know that there is a person in the water. Stay clear of the engine while outside of the boat and wait for the propeller to stop before climbing back into the boat.
File a Float Plan
While not a law, it's always a good idea to leave a float plan with a friend or family member. That way, if an accident does happen while you are out on the water someone will know to come looking for you.
You can find a float plan form to fill out online or simply leave the necessary information with someone staying behind. Basically, it needs to describe your vessel including the registration number, state the route you plan to take, a list of passengers, your contact information, emergency contact information, and your planned departure and return times.
Get a FREE Vessel Safety Check
This is an inspection of your boat performed with both you and a volunteer member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Boats either pass or fail. Passed watercraft receive a decal indicating everything is in working order. There is no penalty for failing but you will be given a list of reasons why your boat did not pass so that you can get them fixed.
This free safety inspection is offered to keep our waterways and everyone on them safe. You can find out about scheduling your own safety check by visiting the Vessel Safety Check Website.
Boating is a fun summertime activity but if you don't take proper precautions that fun can easily be ruined. All of us here at LSK Lebanon want everyone to stay safe out on the water. There's a lot to see and do out there! Be careful and stay alert and you'll have many chances to enjoy the excitement of boating in Missouri.
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www.LSKLebanon.com
801 N Jefferson Ave
Lebanon, MO 65536
(417) 588-3550
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