Boating Safety

 

You can’t beat a day with friends and family out on the boat near Lebanon,MO.! Make sure safety is always at the forefront of your mind. LSK Lebanon wants to ensure everyone is safe out on your boats this summer, so here are some boating safety tips.

1. Boat Safety Kit

Always be prepared for any situation with an emergency boat safety kit. Here are some essential items to include:

  • Flashlight
  • Duct tape
  • Bucket
  • First Aid kit
  • Whistle 
  • Ropes
  • Mirror
  • Garbage bags
  • Fire extinguisher 
  • Life jackets

2. Proper Life Jackets

Life jackets are required by law and should be U.S. Coast Guard-approved. Everyone on the boat should have a life jacket on. Make sure every passenger tries on a few life jackets before boarding the boat to ensure the proper size. Choose a life jacket that fits your height and weight. Some life jackets are designed to turn an unconscious person face-up in the water. These life jackets require extra maintenance and are not recommended for children under the age of 16.


3. Check the Weather Before Getting on The Water

You can not always predict the weather or a storm. But some common way to tell if a storm is near is rough, choppy water. The weather could seem warm, but the water could reveal that a boating day is not ideal. If you get caught on the boat in a storm, make sure you seek help immediately. 

4. Do NOT Overload the boat

Check your boat’s capacity restriction and abide by that. Overloading a boat with passengers or other equipment can cause an unbalance boat.
5. Check for Fumes
After fueling the boat, open all hatches for any fumes and smells. Carbon Monoxide could accumulate in certain pockets in your boat that can unexpectedly knock you and your passenger’s unconscious. Make sure you are aware of these areas on your boat and check regularly. Common at-risk areas on your boat include:
  • Poorly ventilated areas
  • Enclosed spaces
  • Exhaust outlets

6. Follow Proper Anchoring Practices

Having the right anchor is the bare minimum. You need to ensure your anchor is not dragging your boat. You may need to drop it in deeper waters to keep it from drifting.

7. Follow Proper Docking Techniques

Docking can have its challenges. Make sure bumpers are out and reduce the speed of the boat and that docking lines are secure. If the wind is blowing towards the shore, bring the boat around two feet from the dock and allow the wind to gently pull it. Secure with lines. If the wind is blowing away from the shore, approach the dock at a 20 or 30-degree angle to compensate for the wind. Secure bowline. Work with the wind and take your time.

8. Boating Safety Courses

There are free courses available online that vary by state. Before you leave the dock, ensure you know the rules and responsibilities that come along with operating a vessel. 70% of boating accidents are caused by operator error.

9. Get a Professional to Check Your Boat

It is best to have your vessel professionally evaluated before you take people out on your boat. Ensure all parts are working as they should and all safety protocol is in place before you hit the water this summer!


Boating is one of the best things to do in the summer but can also be a very dangerous activity if you are not prepared. It is better to be more than prepared with safety knowledge and supplies than to be left in an emergency and not knowing what to do. Keep you and your passengers as safe as you can be by preparing yourself and your boat properly. Find your dream boat near Lebanon, MO, and get out on the water with your friends and family! Stay safe and have fun!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Advantages of Purchasing a Pontoon Boat!

Image
Pontoon boats are a popular choice for recreational boating in mid-MO due to their many advantages. First and foremost, pontoon boats are known for their stability and safety on the water. The design of a pontoon boat features two or more cylindrical floats (or "pontoons") that provide a wide base for the boat, making it much less likely to tip over than a traditional boat with a narrow hull. This is especially beneficial for families with young children or for those who are new to boating in Lake of the Ozarks . Follow along for all the advantages of purchasing a pontoon boat! One of the major advantages of pontoon boats is their spaciousness. They often feature large, open decks that can accommodate multiple people and provide ample room for lounging, sunbathing, and even dining. Many pontoon boats also come with built-in seating, tables, and other amenities that make them ideal for hosting parties or gatherings on the water. Pontoon boats are also known for their versat
Read more

5 Steps to Boat Upkeep!

Image
If you’re a seasoned boat owner or a new boat owner, it’s important to remember that regular maintenance on a boat will ensure the longevity of the boat. By investing in year-round maintenance, you’re avoiding having to spend money on trying to fix major issues with your boat down the road. LSK in Lebanon is here to offer you some tips on how to upkeep your boat . By providing you with these tips, we want to make sure that no matter how much knowledge you have about boating you can be an expert when it comes to boat maintenance. 1.      Clean Interior and Exterior Keeping your boat’s interior and exterior clean is an essential part of maintaining the materials that make up your boat. You’ll want to clean your boat after taking it out on the water and before putting it in storage by wiping down the fiberglass on the exterior and the upholstery seats. Keep your boat dry to prevent mildew build up. 2.      Boat Engine Maintenance Similar to a car, your boat engine needs regular mai
Read more

6 Tips for Buying Your First Boat

Image
If you’re thinking about purchasing a boat in mid-MO , LSK in Lebanon, MO has tons of great boat options for you to purchase! Before we dive into your options, it’s important that we highlight the process of buying a boat and some tips we think you should take. We understand that purchasing a boat at LSK is a massive commitment and a sizable financial investment, which is why we’re here to walk you through the process from start to finish. By taking these tips and applying them into your purchase process, you’re ensuring that you make the right purchase for you! Let’s take a look at 6 tips for buying your first boat in mid-MO ! Tip 1: Choose Your Boat Type The first step to buying your first boat is to choose the type of boat that will meet your needs. You should consider where and how you will use the boat that you purchase. Take the time to do your research! Tip 2: Determine Whether You Want New or Used Luckily, LSK in Lebanon, MO carries both new and used boats in our inve
Read more