100 million people go boating every year! It’s a fun summer activity that you can do with friends and family members. Who doesn’t want to relax out on the water?

Whenever you take your boat out of the harbor, you need to prioritize boating safety. We’re here to help. Read on for a few quick boat safety tips.

1. Keep the Boat Well-Maintained

You wouldn’t let your car go into disrepair, right? It would be a safety hazard! Why would your boat be any different?

You need to make sure that your boat is in picture-perfect condition before every trip. Make sure that you have enough fuel, that there’s no visible damage, and that you’ve gotten professional boat maintenance within the past few months.

If the idea of taking a boat in for maintenance seems like a drag, or if you know that you’ll forget, we recommend joining a boat club instead of trying to own your own boat. They’ll take care of maintenance for you so you can focus on having fun. Click to learn more.

2. Don’t Forget Life Jackets

Life jackets are crucial when you’re out on the boat, even if you have no intention of getting in the water.

You should have a life jacket for every person on the boat, even if they’re a strong swimmer. Children should be wearing life jackets at all times and adults can use their own discretion.

It’s even a good idea to have life jackets for your pets if you bring them on the boat with you.

3. Learn the Rules of the Water

We all know about the rules of the road, but many people think that boats are different altogether. Why would you need driving rules when you’re out in the water?

Remember that there are other boats out there that you’ll have to watch out for. There also may be swimmers (depending on where you’re boating) and wildlife.

The rules vary depending on where you are, so read up on local laws and regulations before you start driving a boat.

4. Always Check the Weather

Before you even start prepping your boat for a trip out on the water, make sure that you check the weather conditions for the day. We recommend using several sources just in case.

While experienced boaters won’t have a problem getting out on the water in bad weather, newbies will want to avoid storms, even if they’re in the distance. They can cause rough water conditions.

5. Take a Boating Safety Course

You can drastically reduce your risk of boat accidents by taking a boating safety course. Even if you already know how to drive a boat, there’s no harm in refreshing your memory. You might even learn something new.

Many states even require a boating safety license, so if you don’t have one, you could find yourself in hot water.

Never Neglect Boat Safety

Boat safety should be your top priority from the moment you step foot on your boat, before you even leave the harbor. Use these boat safety tips to keep you and your passengers as safe as possible while you have fun.

It’s time to get out on the water!

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