Boating Safety Tips

Safe boating practices are important, because unlike roads, waterways have no stop lights or painted lines. To minimize the risk of accidents in the water here are a few tips to consider.

• Take a Boating Safety Class. If you are new to boating this is an excellent place to start. A class can help you learn and understand different signals and maneuvers commonly used while boating.
• Use Safety Passing Techniques
  • Being passed by another boat: the boat being passed must maintain it’s speed and course to allow other boats to safely pass.
  • Approaching a boat head on: Both boats should keep to the right to pass.
  • Crossing paths with another boat: The boat on the right has the right of way. The other boat should slow down or change course to pass behind it.
• Horn Signals
  • One short blast: This means you plan to pass when crossing paths with another boat, leaving them on your left side. If you are behind a boat and intend to pass, one quick horn blast signals that you will pass on their right side.
  • Two short blasts: opposite of one short blast. If you are crossing paths, you’ll leave the boat on your right side. And I passing when your behind a boat, you’ll pass on their left side.
  • Three short blasts: This lets others know you are backing up.
  • Five or more blasts: Danger signal. If a boat responds with the same signal it  means they understand.
  • One prolonged blast: Leaving dock.
• Be careful to avoid high speeds at night. The dark makes it harder to see what you are approaching.

Being cautious and paying attention to your surroundings can help you minimize the risk of accidents while enjoying time on the water.
Visit theAllstateblog for more information about boating safety.
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