Boater Safety: 5 Items You Must have On Board Your Boat at All Times
It’s almost boating season!
We’re excited to get back out on the lake – are you?
Whether you have been boating for years or you are new to boating, you know how important safety equipment can be in case of emergency. Often these supplies can get old and worn out and we may forget to update them! Whatever the case may be, here are 5 items you must have onboard your boat at all times:
Lifejackets
Lifejackets – or personal floatation devices (PFDs) – are an important boating essential! You must have a lifejacket for each and every person on board the boat after you have purchased one of the Nautique boats for sale in Lewisville. Additionally, if you have riders under the age of 13, they must have a life jacket on at all times when the boat is moving. Do you have a pet? Consider getting them a lifejacket too. While not essential, this is a great safety item to have on hand if the water gets rough. Lastly, note that if anyone is wakeboarding, skiing, or wakesurfing, you’ll want them in a lifejacket for that as well.
Throwable Floatation Devices
Lifejackets are really important, but so is having a few throwable floatation devices on the boat. You need to have at least one to meet safety requirements, but we think it’s great to have a variety. These can be a ring buoy style or a cushion.
Visual Signals
If you are in distress, you need to have signals on hand to alert those around you. Be sure to check with your state to see what is required on your boat as it can vary, but in general, you’ll want flares and flags for nighttime and daytime use. On Nautique boats for sale in Lewisville, you’ll also find great, state-of-the-art lighting that can send visual cues should the need arise.
Audible Signals
In addition to having visual signals, audible signals are important too when you are caught in a storm or heavy fog and others may not see your visual distress signals. Have at least one horn or whistle on board your boat at all times.
Anchor
An anchor is an important piece of safety equipment. Make sure you have one board that can keep you from drifting while you wait for assistance. In addition to an anchor, make sure you have ample line to tie it off and drop it at varying depths.
Ready to purchase a new boat for this boating season?
Come see us at Buxton Marine for all your boating needs! We are the source for Nautique boats for sale in Lewisville, along with pre-owned models from Tige, Supra, and more. We also have a fully stocked pro shop with all the gear you need to outfit your boat. We’re the #1 boat dealer in North Texas; come by and see why customers come back again and again!