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Essential Boating Safety Tips for Families

A pair of boats parked in self storage after a family adventure on the waters.

Although boating is a thrilling adventure for the whole family, it can be dangerous if you don’t take proper caution. With the right safety equipment and practices, you and your loved ones can have a blast out on the waters while feeling prepared for anything. Allow our team at Self Storage Plus to give you some essential boating safety tips for a safer journey.

Boating Safety Tip #1: Check Your Boating Equipment

Before you send your boat even to the shores, you’ll want to make sure you have all the boating equipment you need. This will not only make your journey safer but help you keep control of your boat. Here’s a short checklist of essential boating equipment to help you get started:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • First aid kit
  • VHF radio and cellphone
  • Visual distress signals
  • Sound signaling devices
  • Navigation lights

Boating Safety Tip #2: Understand Life Jacket Laws and Use

While there’s plenty of equipment to make watery travels pleasant, no piece of equipment is more important than a life jacket—it’s a lifesaver. If you plan to take your little ones along your journey, make sure you learn and teach your children about proper life jacket use.

When it comes to life jacket laws, each state has a set of its own. However, for states that don’t have set rules, the standard is that every child under 13 is required to wear a life jacket at all times throughout their journey.

Boating Safety Tip #3: Have an Emergency Plan

Even though it’s not pleasant to think about, having an emergency plan if your adventure goes awry can save you and your family’s lives. Check through all your emergency supplies and make sure you have all you need. Also, check that your boat’s lights and navigation system work properly.

We recommend you have a float plan that has a predicted departure time, estimated time on the water, and return time.

Boating Safety Tip #4: Create a Set of Boat Guidelines for Your Family

When exploring the open waters, it’s important for everyone in the boat to be on the same page about what to do and what not to do. You can create your own list of guidelines tailored to your family, but some basic rules for the boat may include:

  • Wear a life jacket while in the water
  • Only swim in designated areas
  • Don’t dive
  • Bring ample water and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
  • Wear sunscreen
  • Don’t throw trash in the water
  • Supervise your children at all times

Boating Safety Tip #5: Keep Your Boat in Great Shape

The key to a great journey across the water is to keep your boat in great shape. Make sure you test your boat’s engine ahead of time so you don’t get left stranded. Also, examine your boat for any exterior or interior damage before and after each trip.

The best way to keep your boat in pristine condition is to rent boat storage. Whether you plan to hang your boat up to dry for one offseason or plan to make a regular routine of storing your boat throughout the winter, you’ll find plenty of covered boat parking and indoor boat storage options.

Rent the Best Storage Units for Boats at Self Storage Plus

Looking for the best place to park your boat for the offseason? Look no further than Self Storage Plus. Just knowing your boat is docked within our premier boat storage facility can restore some much-needed peace of mind. Ready to get started? Find your nearest Self Storage Plus location or contact us online to secure your spot today!

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Self Storage Plus

P.O. Box 25523

Washington, DC 20027

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