Summer is right around the corner!
While many of us may be ready to hit the water — we at Laureate Insurance want
to make sure you are equipped with everything you need to know to keep you and
your family safe while boating.
Wear a Life Jacket: Did you know that
according to the U.S. Coast Guard statistics, over two-thirds of fatal accident
victims drowned, and out of those approximately 90% were not wearing a life
jacket!
Don’t Rely on Swimming Aids: Floaties or
noodles are fun to splash around with, however they should never be used in
place of a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device.
Avoid Boating Under the
Influence: Not only is it dangerous to operate a boat while
drinking, but it is also against the law to operate a boat while intoxicated.
Florida Law states that a person may not operate a boat with a blood alcohol
content of .08 or higher.
Be Aware of Carbon
Monoxide: All boat engines emit
Carbon Monoxide (CO), which is an odorless and colorless poisonous gas that can
kill you in a matter of minutes. Early symptoms of CO poisoning consist
of irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness and dizziness. You don’t have to
be in the cabin to be at risk.
Know the Nautical Rules of
the Road: Boating
navigation rules are a lot like the rules of the road and are in place to help
prevent collision.
You might also consider taking a
boating safety course. Although this cannot guarantee your safety while
on a boat, it is a great way to mitigate your risk along with the rules of the
water.
For more information on boat
safety please visit the National Safe Boating Council
