Boat Safety Guide
Between water skiing, swimming, and fishing, there are countless adventures to be had on the water. However, nothing ruins the fun quite like an accident, especially one that could have been easily avoided. If you’re interested in learning more about boat safety or you need a refresher, read this guide from the experts at Tommy’s Boats.
Know the Laws
You should always know the local and state laws for the area in which you plan to boat. These rules are designed to keep you safe, and not complying with them can have serious consequences. If you’re not sure what rules and regulations apply, contact your local authorities with any questions you might have.
Operate With Care
Always act responsibly while out on the water. Make sure that other boaters are aware of your intentions so that they can react appropriately. An example of this is signaling other boats before overtaking them. You should also be respectful of swimmers – give them plenty of space, and do not intrude on designated swimming areas. Finally, pay attention to signs, markers, and buoys, as these usually indicate where it is safe to operate your vessel and where it is not safe.
Never operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These substances reduce reaction time and make you more likely to engage in risky behavior, a highly dangerous combination.
Maintain Your Boat
It’s also essential that you take steps to maintain your watercraft. Not only will this result in better overall performance, but it will also reduce your likelihood of suffering an accident due to mechanical failure. Basic maintenance tasks include changing the oil, inspecting the battery, and cleaning the deck. These small, simple steps can go a long way towards keeping yourself and others safe. If you see a potential maintenance problem, but it seems minor now, it’s usually a good idea to deal with it immediately. Small issues tend to get worse over time when it comes to boat maintenance.
For more information or to shop our selection of new and pre-owned boats, visit Tommy’s Boats. We have sixteen dealership locations across the US, including four in California and three in Michigan. We also offer servicing, parts, rentals, boat customization, financing, brokerage, trade-ins, and storage. We hope you’ll come visit us soon!