With the weather warming up and everybody ready to shake off the winter doldrums by getting out on North Carolina’s beautiful ocean, lakes, and waterways, here are some safety tips to keep you and your family safe.
- Make sure you check the weather forecast. Conditions can change quickly on the water and knowing the forecast can save you from hazardous conditions before trouble ever starts.
Never exceed the number of passengers your vessel allows. - Turn off engines whenever loading and unloading passengers, whether that be on the dock or swimming, skiing, tubing or any other recreational activity.
- Make sure you not only have a skipper, but a backup skipper in case your primary operator is incapacitated. After all, every Skipper needs a Gilligan!
- Have a float plan. If something does happen to you or vessel, someone on land needs to know where you planned to go and when you planned to return.
- Before setting sail, make sure everyone not only has an assigned life jacket, but has been fitted and knows how to use it.
- Along with life jackets, passengers should be familiar with and know the locations of other safety equipment including fire extinguishers, throwable floatation devices, flares and horns.
Have fun and use common sense! Oh, and don’t forget to make sure you’re protecting your vessel and family with the right boating insurance. Contact us to go over an annual review of your policy.