Imagine spending a summer afternoon on the water with the warm sun rays and the wind ruffling through your hair. Combine it with water skiing and swimming, and you have your very own heaven on earth. However, people get so carried away with the adventure; they don’t give a second thought to safety. As a result, hundreds of lives are lost more are while thousands injured every year. With a little precaution, most of these accidents can be prevented. Here’s how:
Don’t Drink Before Boating
Most people won’t drink and drive. Yet, they’re surprisingly comfortable downing a can of beer before steering the boat. Drinking and boating is just as dangerous as drinking and driving. Research shows that alcohol causes almost half of all boating accidents. The vibration, engine noise, wind and sun can accelerate the effects of alcohol and distract the driver. Moreover, alcohol can impact the driver’s cognitive skills making it difficult to operate the boat properly.
Maintain Safe Speed
While it’s fun to cruise the open water at high speed, you should be careful. Look both ways and always keep an eye out for other boats, swimmers, jet skis, and paddlers. You and your passengers should be wearing life jackets at all times. The jacket should be a good fit and properly kept away when not in use to prevent damage. According to the US Coast Guard, life jackets could save up to 80 percent of boating accident victims.
Prepare and Learn
Before you’re about to head out on the waters, understand the area’s boating laws. Some countries require you to have a boating license. If it’s possible, you should take a boating safety course. You can find them free of cost online. You should also check to see if the gas tank is full so that you don’t get stranded in the middle of the lake. Also, keep extra batteries, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit on board at all times.
Check the Weather
Always check the weather before you leave the dock. The weather can change very rapidly and you wouldn’t want to be caught in bad weather. If you notice dark clouds, lightning or choppy waves, get off the water as this could mean a storm is about to come.
Last Thoughts
If you’re looking to rent out a boat in Cabo, you should contact us. From an Albemarle 38 ft yacht to a 28 ft Center Console, we have a whole fleet of luxury yachts. We pay special attention to boating safety, our yachts are equipped with safety gear and state of the navigation systems. If you have any questions, reach out, and we will get back to you. Have a safe trip!