Summer is right around the corner, and with it, boaters across the country will head back out to lakes, lagoons, and seas to continue a favorite pastime. To avoid accidents and drownings, any good boater will tell you, safety is key to having fun on the waterway. Below, we discuss how to stay safe while boating this summer.
#1. Make a Boat Safety Checklist
Preparation is a vital part of any excursion on the water. Don’t leave the dock without ticking off these items:
- Safety Kit
Opt for a safety kit that is U.S. Coast Guard-approved with buoyant rope, waterproof flashlight and flares, sound-emitting signal device, water pump, etc.
- Food and Water
There’s no reason to cut your fun time short. Pack enough food and water so you don’t get hungry or thirsty on your trip, forcing you to return to shore earlier than expected.
- Weather Gear
You never know what you may encounter on the water. Pack protection from the sun and any potential rain or inclement weather by including sunscreen, hats, rain jackets, etc.
- Life Jackets
Life jackets are essential boat safety equipment. Be sure to have enough Coast Guard-approved life jackets for each passenger on board. A throwable life preserver should also be stored on your boat. Make sure every passenger knows where to find these safety devices should an emergency arise.
- Sound Devices
Keep a horn that can produce a four-second sound blast that can be heard from a minimum distance of a half mile. Attach whistles to life jackets as well.
- Lights
Check that your navigation lights, as well as instrument lights, are working correctly. Keep a flashlight and spare batteries on board as well.
- Flares
Distress signals such as flares and day signals should be stored in a dry area. Be sure to inform anyone assisting with boat operation as well as passengers where flares are kept. Also, everyone on board should be informed on how to safely use flares in an emergency.
- Toolbox
The following tools can come in handy when you need a quick fix. Keep the following in an onboard toolbox:
- Pliers
- Multi-tool
- Wrenches and screwdrivers
- Spark plugs
- Duct tape
- Scissors
- Socket set
- Extra batteries
- Fuel
Before heading out, check your fuel tank level to ensure that you have enough gas to get you and your passengers back home safely. Be sure to check your engine oil and coolant levels as well. It’s always beneficial to bring a fuel container with extra gas for the boat.
- Fire Extinguishers
Depending on your boat’s size, you may need to have one or more fire extinguishers that are easily accessible in an emergency. Let your passengers know where all the fire extinguishers are located.
- Docking and Anchoring
Ensure that you have an anchor set up along with two to three extra dock lines. Inspect your dock lines for wear and tear. Keep extra fenders to prevent bumping into docks.
- Check the Weather Forecast
It’s also essential to do a weather check before you head out. If it’s bright and sunny when you leave, that doesn’t mean it may not rain while you’re out on the boat. Rain and other extreme weather can limit your visibility.
#2. Inform Someone
Any time you head out on the water, you should let someone on land know your planned route and return time. That way, if you experience problems while on the water, someone knows you missed your return window and can contact local authorities.
#3. Stay Smart & Keep Boating Safety in Mind
Boats should be operated the same way as cars. That means no drugs or alcohol while operating the boat. Not only is that extremely dangerous, but it’s also illegal. Additionally, passengers must stay seated while the boat is in motion, just like passengers in a car stay buckled in.
Boat operators, like motorists, must also use signals when on the waterway to show their intention to other boaters, such as through horn signals and/or flags. Following all these boat safety guidelines can enhance boaters’ and passengers’ safety on the water.
Boating While Intoxicated
Everyone knows that it is illegal to drink and drive. However, not everyone understands the same rule applies to boating.
A boating while intoxicated (BWI) charge varies from state to state. Missouri boat laws do not allow boaters to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher–the same legal limit for driving a car. Those convicted of a BWI may face the following penalties:
- Hefty fines
- Jail time
- Participation in continuous alcohol monitoring and substance abuse treatment
The penalties an individual receives depend on the severity of the crime they committed.
Why Is Boating Under the Influence So Dangerous?
Many people have the misconception that they only have to be sober when operating a car and not any other vehicle. However, it is extremely dangerous, and also illegal, to operate any type of machinery while intoxicated–including boats and other watercraft. When a person drinks alcohol, their entire system becomes impaired, even if just slightly after one drink. As the person continues to drink, this level of impairment increases dramatically. Most people with the following BAC levels will experience these symptoms:
- 0.01-0.03%: Slight mood elevation
- 0.04-0.06%: Minor impairment of reasoning and memory
- 0.07-0.09%: Mild impairment of balance, speech, vision, and control
- 0.10-0.12%: Significant impairment of motor function and loss of judgment
- 0.13-0.15%: Gross impairment of motor control
- 0.16-0.20%: Dysphoria predominates, and nausea may appear
- 0.25-0.30%: Severe intoxication involving loss of motor control and vomiting
- 0.35-0.40%: Loss of consciousness
- 0.40% and up: Onset of coma and chance of death due to respiratory failure
These effects are dangerous on their own while on land but can be even more pronounced while on a boat, where maintaining balance is more difficult. Despite the dangers and illegality of boating under the influence, many people still choose to engage in it.
Injured in a Boating Accident? We’re Here to Help.
We hope that this Missouri boater safety guide will serve as a map for any upcoming excursions you and your friends and family have planned! However, if you or someone you love has been involved in a boating accident caused by another’s negligence, our team of boating accident lawyers is here to protect your rights.
We’re passionate about standing up for plaintiffs’ rights, and we want to fight for you. We have helped countless clients across Missouri and Kansas recover the compensation they need and deserve after a devastating accident. We may be able to help you, too. Contact us today for a free consultation!