Be Safe on Your Boat This Summer
| May 6th, 2019
We’re only a few weeks away from Memorial Day weekend, which marks the unofficial start of summer. And with plenty of warm weather and sunshine on the way, boating season will be in full swing. If you’re planning on taking your boat out on the water in the coming weeks and months, it’s important to stay cautious to protect yourself, your passengers, and other people enjoying California’s oceans, rivers, and lakes. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before your first summer boat outing:- Make sure your boat is equipped with required safety gear—You should have one life jacket per passenger for every trip. You should also have multiple flotation devices that can be thrown into the water to retrieve passengers who fall overboard.
- Don’t drink and boat—Many people who would never get behind the wheels of their vehicles after drinking will combine alcohol with boating. Driving a boat while impaired is just as dangerous as driving a car, truck, or SUV. If you’re going to consume alcohol, stay on land or appoint a designated driver for your boat.
- Turn on your lights—The Bay Area is notorious for fog, and it can roll in and out at a moment’s notice. Visibility is key for boating safety, and that means making sure your lights are on when you’re out on the water.
