Photo via lakecumberlandtourism.com
While boating can be a lot of fun, it can also be hazardous, especially if general precautions aren’t taken. To help ensure you stay safe while renting a watercraft this summer, check out this list of safety tips from Collin Breaux for the Panama City, FL News Herald Reporter. Have fun!
- Have the necessary equipment. Breaux says that every boat should have a life jacket or flotation device, which should be correct size for every adult and child on board. There should also be enough room for all passengers, he says. Also, each boat should have a throwable cushion or ring in case someone falls overboard.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Breaux recommends always looking around in all directions and having a person onboard as the designated traffic monitor.
- Narrow channels require extra caution. In narrow channels, Breaux writes that boaters should avoid anchoring and drive on the outermost part of the right side of the channel or fairway. He also says that drivers should maintain a safe speed, especially in “No Wake” areas.
- Keep up with fishing regulations. If you plan on fishing, make sure in compliance with current regulations, Breaux says. Failure to do so can result in a warning or ticket.
- “Don’t sit on the front with your legs hanging over. Doing so is called “bow riding” and it is against the law. Besides being illegal, it is also dangerous. Passengers riding this way could fall off and be hurt by the motor blades or worse.
Looking for boat rentals? With 23 locations, Skipper Bud’s Marina serves Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Florida, California, and Washington State.
Learn more about boat rentals from Skipper Bud’s and the locations they serve by clicking here. Or just call for further assistance at: 800-636-2628.
