Now that summer is just around the corner, it's time to get that boat and dock in the water if you haven't already. Before you dive into your fishing season full throttle, take some time to review these 6 simple boat safety tips to keep you safe while out on the water this season.
It's easy nowadays to keep a close watch on the weather before heading out in your boat. You don't want to be on the water in a thunder storm or out in a boat that can't handle rough water if the weather quickly changes. If you plan to be out on the water for a longer excursion, then check the radar projections on your favorite weather app. That way you can foresee the most accurate weather patterns that are in your area for the day. If you are out on the water and the weather is changing for the worse, make sure you have your bailing bucket close at hand. Also ensure you have a cell phone that you can use to call for help if needed. Boat covers and canopies are also helpful to have on board so you can hide for cover if a dump of rain is headed your way.
Make sure your boat is equipped with proper buoys and ropes so that you can easily tie up to shore if you are planning on docking somewhere. Check that you have enough ropes and buoys before you leave shore and ensure they are all in good working condition. Make sure you know how to tie a proper boating knot so your boat will stay secure to shore, or to the lake bottom if anchoring. Large boat waves and possibly rough water conditions can seem to come out of nowhere when you're boating so be prepared. Knowing how to properly tie a knot will also ensure you can easily untie your boat when it's time to go. Some good knots to learn are the anchor hitch, cleat hitch or constrictor knot. You may also want to watch an online video to help you learn how to tie any of these knots or to teach yourself how to anchor your boat properly.
If you don't have a boaters license, then now is the perfect time to get one. Don't hesitate. It's easy to educate yourself and take the test online. For more information on getting your Pleasure Craft Operators Card visit https://www.boaterexam.com/. If you already have your boaters license then make sure to keep it on you whenever you are out on your boat. If you're fishing you can keep it with your fishing license. If you have different boats that you like to drive on a regular basis, you may want to keep you boaters license in a lanyard hanging with your boat keys. That way it's easy to grab with whichever boat you plan to go out on the water with. The lanyard option works well for those going out in a kayak or on a jet ski because you will likely leave your wallet behind on shore or you won't have your tackle box or a pocket to store it safely in.
Several boating accidents occur every year where drowning victims are found not wearing life jackets otherwise known as a personal floatation device (PFD). Please take life jackets on board and also ensure your life jackets fit properly. Children are required to wear their life jackets while out on the water. Adults however, are not required to be wearing their PFD so make sure you have enough life jackets on board for the amount of adults boating. Always look for a PFD label approving that your life jacket is certified by Transport Canada or the Canadian Coast Guard.
A very important part of being in a boat and around the water is knowing how to swim. Check your local municipality or organizations for swimming lessons offered in your area if you don't know how to. If you can't swim, or don't feel you are a strong swimmer, then make sure you wear a life jacket at all times when on the water boating.
Save the alcohol for on land. Every year there are too many cases of boating accidents resulting in death due to mixing alcohol and boating. Boating under the influence is an offense under the criminal code. Please check your alcohol carriage restrictions for where you live. In Ontario such information can be found from the OPP.
Going out in your boat, whether fishing or taking a leisurely ride with your family, can be a very relaxing and fun endeavor. Just make sure to stay safe while out there so you can enjoy boating for many years to come. At Nils Master Lures we care about making your fishing and boating the best experience possible. That's why we offer Nils Master top-of-the-line fishing lures to North Americans online. We want you to have the best gear in your tackle box so make an order, today.
1. Watch The Weather
2. Be Prepared For Mooring
3. Don't forget Your Boaters License
4. Life Jackets Are Crucial
5. Learn To Swim
6. Don't Drink And Drive
Going out in your boat, whether fishing or taking a leisurely ride with your family, can be a very relaxing and fun endeavor. Just make sure to stay safe while out there so you can enjoy boating for many years to come. At Nils Master Lures we care about making your fishing and boating the best experience possible. That's why we offer Nils Master top-of-the-line fishing lures to North Americans online. We want you to have the best gear in your tackle box so make an order, today.
