Going to work by boat or ferry or just taking a pleasure ride on the waterways? The following tips will help you stay alive:
1.Watch the weather: If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe not going on board until the weather clears.
2. Look around the boat or ferry to be sure it is seaworthy
3.Ask for, and use, a life jacket: Did you know that the majority of drowning victims are the result of boaters not wearing their lifejackets? Life jacket is not a decoration, wear it!
4.Obey instructions: Boat operators are required to provide a safety briefing to all passengers about safety equipment and emergency procedures — it is the law. Make sure the operator provides this safety briefing, and listen carefully.
5. Make sure there is a designated assistant skipper before you get on board:Make sure more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of the boat’s handling, operations, and general boating safety. If the primary engine or navigator is incapacitated in any way, it is important to make sure there is another hand on board to help get everyone back to shore.
6. If you can, look for a way to smell the skipper’s breath to ensure he is not drunk:The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved and studies have shown that the effects of alcohol are exacerbated by sun and wind. Hence, always check if the driver is not intoxicated.
7. Learn to swim:If you’re going to be using the waterways regularly, learn how to swim. It’ll help you get to safety in case of an accident.
