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Boating safety should be your number one priority any time you head out on the water. When you’ve taken the proper precautions to ensure your passengers’ safety, you’ll be able to have a fun, worry-free time at sea. Here are some guidelines to ensure your next boating or fishing trip is as safe as possible:

Prepare with Boat Safety Gear

Before you leave the dock, be sure you have the following necessary safety items on board:

• Basic First Aid Kit
• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
• Horns and/or Flares for Signaling
• Fire Extinguisher
• Anchor and Ropes

Boat Responsibly

• Check the Weather Report: Even if the skies are clear, sudden thunderstorms do happen, so always check the weather before you leave.
• Always Be Alert: Many boating accidents are the result of simple carelessness. Always watch where you step and keep both feet firmly planted at all times. Don’t drink: according to the U.S. Coast Guard the probability of being in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved.
• Have an Assistant Skipper: If more than one person knows how to operate your vessel, you’ll ensure the others on board are safe even if the main navigator is injured or otherwise incapacitated.
• Take Boater’s Education: There are many laws and regulations to be familiar with when it comes to operating a boat. Requirements vary by state, but it’s always a good idea to find a course that goes beyond the basics so you can be confident you know the rules.
• Get a Vessel Check from the U.S. Coast Guard: You can get one for free to ensure your vessel is in good condition.

Know and Share Your Emergency Plan

When you’re going out on the water, always be sure someone on dry land knows where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone for so that if you don’t return, someone knows to call the Coast Guard. If you do end up in an emergency situation, you’ll need to have a plan. Always know any relevant emergency phone numbers in case you need assistance. Also know the locations of the nearest medical centers along your route. While you always want to hope for the best, being prepared for adversity can save your life!

One More Tip for Boating Safety

Emergencies happen, and it’s important to have a plan in case they do. But the best way to ensure your safety is to prevent emergencies as much as possible. As mentioned previously, emergencies often occur due to carelessness. For example, if your boat has overhead rocket launchers and you decide to climb up on a bait tank or on the gunwales to reach a rod, you may slip and fall. You could even fall overboard. Do not let such a simple act of carelessness put your life or the lives of your passengers in danger. The RodGaff is a rod retrieval system that lets you keep your feet firmly planted on the ground while you grab your rod from overhead rocket launchers. Taking the small step to buy this lightweight, compact tool will make a huge impact on the safety of those on board.