Safe Sailing: The Top 6 Safety Rules To Know When Boating

Whether you're a new boat owner or you've been sailing for decades, it's always a good idea to review boating safety rules before heading out on the water. This is especially true when boating rules change due to safety concerns in your area.


That said, here are the top six boating safety rules to help keep you and your friends/family safe while enjoying the water.

1. Learn how to swim in various situations. It's one thing to learn how to swim in a pool and another to learn how to swim in a lake, ocean, and with clothes on. It's an especially good idea to learn how to swim with your clothes on in case you accidentally fall overboard.
   
   
2. Always check the weather beforehand. Many boating accidents take place because boaters failed to check the weather. Rough winds, big waves, and sudden drops in temperature can make boating dangerous for everyone.
   
   
3. Use the right lights. Even if you don't plan to be out on the water at night, it's critical to have boat LED strip lights on your watercraft. Like a car, boat lights are what keeps your watercraft visible on the water.
   
   
4. Don't drink when boating. Not only is it illegal to operate a boat when drinking alcohol but it's also dangerous. The probability of a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved. What's more, being out on the water in the direct sunlight can dehydrate you and exacerbate the effects of alcohol.
   
   
5. Use the right life jackets. When you go boating, make sure you have enough life jackets for everyone on board. It's also important that you make sure the life jackets you use are Coast Guard certified.
   
   
6. Have a float plan. Just like hiking, it's important to let someone know where you're going and when they can expect you back. This ensures someone will come looking for you in case of an emergency. Give at least three people the name of the passengers onboard, the boat type and registration number, the location where you're going, and when they can expect you back.

Where can I find boat LED strip lights?

LED lights are a great choice for your boat because they can convert 100% of the energy consumed into light. Whether you need boat LED strip lights, black lights for boats, or waterproof LED lights for boats, Plashlights has what you're looking for. To learn more about our marine LED light strips and boat light bars, contact Plashlights today.