Boating safety is important in all seasons, but spring is a time when many boaters let their guard down. The excitement about getting back on the water, and the warm air and sunshine can easily make us forget the basics of boating safety.
Here are some important tips to keep you safe during the spring season:
Be aware of the risk of hypothermia. Just because the sun is shining and the air is warm, it doesn’t mean that the winter chill is gone from the water. If you fall into cold water anything less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit, you run the risk of hypothermia. In fact, swim failure can happen in as fast as 3 minutes and exposure more than 30 minutes can have unfortunate results. Children are especially at risk so make sure that they are always wearing lifejackets and take precautions on your spring boating trips and bring along extra clothing, warm blankets and wet gear.
Have a safety plan
Have a safety plan. Before setting out, make sure that your boat is well equipped with all the necessary safety essentials such as life jackets for all passengers, a well-stocked first aid kit, and a life preserver. Time is a very important factor if you or one of your passengers goes overboard, so get your plan of action in place beforehand. Always be proactive. Talk to your passengers about where to sit safely while the boat is underway and make sure to take extra time to talk to any children on the boat about being safe
Research
Review boating safety protocols online or take a refresher boating safety course. Boating safety information from reputable sources can be found online or at your local library. There are free online boating safety courses that you can go through to be up to date on everything needed. Taking a boating safety course ensure that you will be more aware and safe on-board.
Be visible
Check your navigation lights. A big part of boating safety is making sure your boat is visible to swimmers, boaters or those using other types of vehicles on the water. Make sure you have extra bulbs in case you need to repair the lights after you’ve left the shore. Always be prepared.
Inspect your watercraft
Give your boat a thorough and detailed inspection. Don’t wait until the last minute to find out that something isn’t working. Go through a pre-launch inspection and check your engine, your marine electronics and your safety equipment. Double check that meets your current needs. And last, but not least, make sure you “file a float plan” by letting someone know where you are going, who will be with you and when you are expected to return.
Get insured today
It’s exciting to get back out on the water after a long winter, but taking the time to make sure you inspect your boat, talk to kids about boat safety, check your boat insurance policy and bring safety supplies is well worth the extra effort and time.
The GAP Vassilopoulos Group acts as Brokers through their well-established relationships with international ‘A’ Rated insurers’ as well as the local Cyprus market can cater for a wide range of Yacht/Boat risks and for all types of crafts no matter how small or large.
Ready to request a yacht or boat insurance quote? Drop us an email through our website or feel free to contact us at 77 77 77 75 to compare and select the most appropriate yacht insurance policy with our specialized G.A.P. Insurance Agency team, whom will discuss further information with you. GAP Insurance Agency team will respond promptly to your needs.