Boating is a fun pastime for Florida residents, but it is important to practice the best of boating safety tips which have been consolidated here. Â
It’s always a great idea to keep these 9 boating safety rules at the top of mind for all people on board. In addition, the captain must at least take and pass the boating safety course in Florida.
It may seem obvious, but it is important to use common sense when you’re out on the boat, on your get away from the hustle and bustle life, trying to find some things to do Orlando or wherever your boating excursion location is, for peace and relaxation.
But don’t get to restful, you’ll want to steer clear of large watercraft and always stay alert. Be mindful and respectful of buoys and any other navigational aids that have been put in place for your own safety.
Both experienced and beginner boaters should be knowledgeable about basic security rules and operation of the boat. There are courses and online classes you can take to snag your State required boating license, or temporary boating license. Good news is in Florida, is that if you were born prior to January 1st 1988, you are exempt from needing a license to operate a boat. YESS!
If you are born afterward, hop over to this State approved boaters safety course for Florida, that you can use to rent a boat, jet ski or watercraft as soon as you complete it.
It is a fantastic idea to check the forecast before you head out, while there’s no way to know for sure exactly what the weather will be like. Â Take precautions when there’s a possibility of rain, and make sure you’re prepared. If clouds begin to darken, winds become tough, or you notice a fast drop in temperature, it’s far better to play it safe and quickly get off of the water.
Create a pre-departure checklist and go through it before you set off on your boat rental. Â Doing this will ensure that everybody is prepared for any possibilities before you’re out on the water, and that you have all the necessary gear.
It is always a good idea to have multiple people on board who have a boating license, who took and passed the boat safety course. Â If the captain become incapacitated in any way, the assistant captain can ensure that the boat is working properly and can guide the boat occupants until you return to the dock.Â
A boating safety course can be obtained online by clicking on the following link here. You can make as many attempts as you need, and this will provide a temporary boating license. No minimum age required.
Many drowning deaths occur simply because boaters forgot to wear a life jacket. Before you head out, ensure that everyone on the boat, yourself included, is wearing a life jacket.
The float plan includes all the present signal and communication equipment aboard the vessel. It also includes boat registration information and model information. However, it’s important that you add the names and phone numbers of all passengers and the captain, as well as where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone.
Be sure to share your float plan before you depart. Â This could be done by a staff member at the marina or a family member.
Alcohol not only impairs your ability to drive a car, but your ability to drive a ship, too. Â Be safe, and save for when you return to shore, the alcohol and have a place. When drivers and passengers are drinking, the risk of getting into a boating accident doubles. Â The effects of alcohol can be exacerbated when out in the sun.
If you are going to be in or on the water, if should go without saying that you ought to understand how to swim. Â Classes are available from the American Red Cross.
Night boating is a totally different level of experience. Night boating, would be similar to flying a plane without a windshield.Â
Night boating requires the captain to make sure all the lighting on the boat works prior to launch, it requires double checking that you have flares on board in case you get stranded or stuck or run out of fuel, for example. And last but not least, it requires the captain to know how to navigate the waters when it is pitch black outside. Keep in mind, waterways don’t have the equivalent to street lights on the roads. When the sun goes down, so does your visibility. This can be particularly dangerous, when you can’t see shallow water, or even how close the shore is. One of the most valuable lessons is to plan ahead, if you are boating close to dawn, or will be knowingly boating after sundown or prior to sunrise, make an intentional effort that all of you night navigation, lights, and equipment are in good order.
We hope these safety tips serve you well, and we thank you for tuning in. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out, we will be more than happy to help you. Happy boating!
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Rockon Recreation Rentals partners with Commercial Tour, Activity, and Rental Companies to populate the Largest Directory of Outdoor Recreation Rentals.Â
In doing so, Rockon provides the tour, activity, and rental companies with Activity Booking Software that contains the tools, systems, and processes that help manage bookings, accounting, communications, and record keeping.
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