Safety tips for Safe Boating Week

May 15, 2020| Safety

By: Lake Hopatcong Foundation

During National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22, we would like to share some safe boating tips and resources from the National Safe Boating Council's Safe Boating Campaign. The Safe Boating Campaign is a worldwide effort focused on responsible boating and encouraging boaters to always wear a life jacket while on the water. 

The Safe Boating Campaign offers the following safety tips for boating and social distancing:

• Follow state and local guidance for outdoor recreation.
• Share a float plan with a family member or friend with the details of your trip in the event of an emergency.
• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Carry all required boating safety equipment such as flares, navigation light, a horn or whistle, and a first aid kit.
• Limit the people aboard your boat to people in your immediate household.
• Stay at least six feet away from other people who do not live in your house.\Maintain safe distance at the fuel dock or loading up at the marina.
• Wash hands frequently or use a hand sanitizer, such as after touching a marina gate or fuel pump.
• Don’t raft up to other boaters or pull up onto a beach next to someone else as it could put you in close proximity to others.
• Go right from your house to the boat and back so that you don’t have unnecessary contact with anyone.
• Pack food, water and other things you may need as restaurants and marina stores may not be open.
• Never boat under the influence.
• No distracted boating and travel at safe speeds.
• Have more than one communication device that works when wet.

Safe boating resources from the Safe Boating Campaign
 

Boating Safety Facts

Boating Safety Tips

Have the Right Life Jacket

Life Jacket Facts

What Are Inflatable Life Jackets

Inflatable Life Jacket FAQs

Cold Water Boating