With the recent and many accidents that have occurred thus far this year, I thought it might be a good idea and a good topic to discuss what you do as a boater that goes above and beyond what the law requires to ensure the safety of your crew, vessel and those boating around you. I'll start it off...
We have had many different family and friends this year visiting our camp and as soon as they get on my boat they all get a quick "safety briefing". Basically the briefing consist of offering PFD's to anyone who wants one, where the PFD's and fire extinguishers are located and what to do in case of an emergency.
I also inform everyone that they are to remain seated and hands stay inside the boat during docking and un-docking. I ask that they do not help me in any way with docking the boat unless I specifically ask them to. I usually repeat that last one twice since everyone always tries to reach out and grab the dock post when I don't want them to! (God I hate that!!
) I now use my extended dock pole to whack people when they try to help without me asking!! (just kidding)
There are a few other things I do, but figured this was enough to get the ball rolling.
Let's not keep it specifically on boating and navigation but also include water skiing, tubing, diving or any activity involving a boat and the water.
Let's have some fun with this and give everyone ideas on how to have safe fun on our wonderful lake.
Dan