Table of Contents
Introduction
If you are wondering whether to plan something for the coming summer, and a voyage through the sea is what comes to your mind, then you have reached the right place. In this excerpt below, we will be discussing some of the common ways to ensure safety and fun on a boating trip, especially when planning with the fam!
There is no harm in renting a boat, but if you have one of your own, then it is time to gear it up before it starts rusting because of the lack of use. You will be fairly surprised that one doesn’t need to do much when it comes to planning an enjoyable ride through the gentle waves.
If you have the appropriate training to sail, there is no harm in doing it yourself. However, if you are a novice, we would suggest you let an expert tag along.
A Boating Voyage With The Family
Here are the advantages of a boating voyage with a family.
- It is a perfect weekend getaway when you do not wish to spend too much.
- The family together in one space can spark some good family time and quality conversation.
- No chaotic environment to be in, especially if one doesn’t like crowded spaces.
- Once you start enjoying these boating trips, this could be a brand new family tradition. Something you could carry on every season.
How To Be Safe On A Boating Trip
Here is how you can maintain your family’s safety and security while on the waters, and enjoy all the adventures at the same time.
1. Check The Boat First
If you haven’t sailed for quite some time, then it is time to check the boat first. Here are a few things which you must check:
– Is the boat well maintained and ready to sail?
– Are all the equipment ship-shape and working? For example, the harness, the water tank, the engine, and the bathroom amenities.
– Does your boat need cleaning, especially checking for molds?
– Lastly, always check for rust formation. Getting a rusty boat on the water is so highly dangerous.
2. Carry Enough Live Jackets
Enough life jackets mean two for each family member. Always carry a backup live jacket in case there is an emergency and one doesn’t work. Measure and customize the lifejackets on the weight and height of the family members. This will ensure maximum buoyancy.
If you have feline pets on board, carry life jackets for them as well. Yes, you can always carry them, but in times of emergencies, unfortunately, one has to look for their own safety first.
3. Take Care Of The Storage
This is especially important if you have kids on board. As adults, you can wait for the land to buy something, but kids have a sense of urgency.
A portable freezer will not only help you fulfill the hunger of those little stomachs at any time but also get everything fresh. Having a refrigerator is one of the top marine equipment to have a perfect voyage.
4. Set Up An SOS Number
The United States Coast Guard has made it mandatory to set up a visual distress signal for personal boats. Some of the rules include the following:
- Knowing how to know to use equipment associated with a visual distress signal.
- Answer to other distress signals on the sea if your radar is nearby.
You can set these signals through VHF marine radios or through physical alarms like shooting up red flairs in the sky or orange smoke.
5. A First Aid Kit
Suppose the injury or ailment gets serious, try to sail back to land as soon as possible. However, other than that, carrying a first aid kit always helps. Some of the medicines and equipment you should be worrying about are as follows.
– Antiseptic for cuts and wounds.
– Painkillers.
– Paractemols.
– Medicine For allergies.
– Quick Gastrariotis solutions.
– Band-aids.
– Sanitizers.
Enjoy The Jolly Ride!
Bon, voyage to your sailor!
Now, you are packed and ready to make the best out of your voyage over water. Let’s hope that this boat trip is enjoyable for you and that you return safely and with the best memories.
Now, all you have to do is buy the right equipment and get your distress equipment training, and you are all set.