Be a Good Sailor, Follow These Lifesaving Tips for Boating
Many of us resist wearing a seatbelt, a bike helmet or a lifejacket, but here’s why the latter is absolutely crucial when you board a boat this Summer.
If you’ve been invited to an outing on the water, whether that’s sailing on a lake, river, or a bit of island hopping, it’s highly likely you are in the mood to embrace the open air, sea breeze and a feeling of freedom. You’re probably irritated by the idea of locating and wearing a lifejacket.
Many boaters assume short, routine outings require minimal safety preparation. Still, experts warn that most boating accidents happen during casual recreational trips in favorable conditions, precisely when people let their guard down.
With Summer here, and millions of folks are preparing for leisure time on the water, and thinking about which friends to invite and how to cater a perfect day of sailing. But safety advocates emphasize that prevention is key to avoiding an unexpected tragedy during the weeks of vacation that stretch ahead.
Vukan Simic, boat expert and founder of BoatBooker, explains why safety must remain the number one priority when boating: “People often associate boating accidents with extreme conditions or reckless behavior, but the reality is that most incidents happen during ordinary outings when basic safety steps are overlooked. A few simple precautions can mean the difference between a perfect day and a life-altering emergency.”
Three facts every boater should know:
1. Most drowning victims weren’t wearing life jackets: Modern life jackets are comfortable, unobtrusive, and designed for various activities—yet many boaters still resist wearing them until it’s too late.
2. Weather conditions can change dramatically in minutes: Even on seemingly perfect days, sudden storms, wind shifts, and changing water conditions can create dangerous situations for unprepared boaters.
3. Alcohol dramatically increases accident risk: Operating a boat while impaired is not only illegal but particularly dangerous due to how sun, wind, and motion amplify alcohol’s effects on balance and judgment.
As a boating safety expert, Simic shares these critical safety reminders as boating season begins:
Life Jackets Save Lives
Don’t just store life jackets onboard—wear them. This simple habit dramatically increases survival chances during unexpected incidents. Children and weaker swimmers should wear them at all times without exception.
Create a Float Plan
Always tell someone on shore exactly where you’re going and when you plan to return. Include your boat description, passenger list, communication equipment, and planned route—information that becomes invaluable during emergencies.
Weather Vigilance
Check forecasts immediately before departure and know the signs of approaching storms. Look for darkening clouds, sudden drops in temperature, or increasing winds as warning signs to head to shore immediately.
Maintain Sobriety
Designate a sober operator for every outing. Alcohol impairs balance, coordination, and decision-making—all critical for safe boating—and these effects are amplified on water due to environmental factors.
Take a Boating Safety Course
Understanding navigation rules, emergency procedures, and local waterway regulations prevents dangerous situations. Courses are available through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and benefit even experienced boaters.
Simic concludes: “Summer boating creates some of life’s most cherished family memories, but these moments depend entirely on everyone returning safely to shore. The early season is especially important for safety checks—inspect all equipment, ensure life jackets fit properly, and verify navigation lights work correctly.
The most tragic accidents aren’t from extreme conditions but from overlooking basic safety measures on otherwise perfect days. With proper preparation, boating remains one of America’s safest and most rewarding recreational activities.”
Look for your next boat outing on boatbooker.com and be sure to follow these tips.
