The summer brings more and more people out on the water, and thus it’s as good a time as any to explore the steps needed to encourage boat safety. Some tips from the the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency would thus be helpful to those who plan on taking a boat on the water anytime soon.
You can start encouraging safety by making sure that you and anyone on your vessel has a lifejacket on at all times. Even if someone claims to be a great swimmer, a lifejacket can dramatically reduce the risk of drowning. And instead of just shrugging it on without actually affixing it properly, make sure that straps are buckled at all times.
Many don’t think about the risks posed by carbon monoxide on a boat. But if you position yourself near the boat’s exhaust beneath where most boats have a swim platform, it won’t take long before you begin to suffer the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Save the swimming for when you’re not surrounded by other boats. Swimming in the marina itself is dangerous for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is electrocution.
Always be cognizant of weather conditions and be ready to limit your speed or even pull the boat back into the dock if the waves begin to get choppy. Follow all posted rules and do what you can to protect yourself and your guests.