Summertime is the perfect time to take your boat out of the garage and put it in the water. There is no doubt that boating and swimming are two important activities in the summer.
Although boating is a fun hobby and great in the summer—it can also lead to accidents if people are not being safe. In Wisconsin, according to the DNR, boaters who wear life jackets and take boater safety typically have lower crash statistics. Boating accidents can be dangerous and sometimes even fatal.
Take the time to review these basic do’s and don’ts before you take your boat out next.
DO:
• Keep one life jacket on board for each person and one throwable device for any boat that is 16 feet or longer.
• Watch the weather and bring a radio along so that you can get off the water in order to avoid any poor weather.
• Take a boater safety course.
• Abide to the load capacity plate that is recommended by your boat manufacturer.
• Inspect your boat, motor, and safety accessories each time you go out.
• Install a dead-man ignition switch to the motor of your boat.
DON’T:
• Drink alcohol while operating a boat. Leave the alcoholic beverages on shore.
• Overload your boat with gear or passengers.
• Leave your dock without emergency supplies including a cell phone, map, flares, and first aid kit.
• Leave the dock without telling someone where you plan on going.
Also, make sure you have your boat insured through Community Insurance & Associates for the times when accidents do happen. Give us a call today and any of our agents would be happy to set you up with a great policy that will satisfy all of your insurance needs.
Wishing you safe boating from all of us at Community Insurance & Associates.