Are you planning to head out to spend a day on the water? Do you have boat insurance? Do you know the safety tips of boating? Don’t worry we have got you covered. We have outlined some safety tips and why boating insurance is essential. Nothing can ruin your boating fun like an accident. So it is better to have boat insurance and follow the safety tips.
Importance of Having Boat Insurance
Boating is a great summer pastime and the most pleasurable activities in the Galveston bay area. But what happens if an accident takes place? This is where boat insurance comes in. Everyone who values their boat knows the significance of a boat insurance. You must make sure your valuable is covered in case of a mishap. An insurance protects you and your boat in case something bad happens.
Paula Smith Insurance is your choice Farmers Insurance Agent in Galveston, Texas who offers a great insurance plan to cover your boat and any potential damages to your boat in and out of the water because there is coverage for the trailer, motor and personal effects in the boat. The typical coverage policy includes:
- Liability
- Damage to the boat
- Coverage for injury to a water skier.
Safety Tips for Boating
Take a look at these safety tips to ensure you enjoy your day on the water.
Wearing a Life Jacket
The foremost safety tip is to wear a life jacket while on the water. You must consider it as your seat belt on the water. According to reports, drowning is the leading cause of the deaths in boating accidents. Making sure that everyone on the boat is wearing a properly fastened life jacket is necessary.
You should provide life jackets to everyone especially children and infants. If you have pets on board, make them wear life jackets as well or ensure they are safe and secure on your boat. Though life jackets can be a little “uncomfortable” but they can save your life in an emergency.
Keep a Check on Weather
Before going for your day on the water, you should check the weather forecast. You should pay attention to the sudden changes in clouds, wind or temperature. There are some locations where the weather changes rapidly.
In case you are not sure, you must return to the shore. Instead of endangering the lives of others. You must bring sunscreen and drinking water even when the weather is clear. If you are not hydrated enough, it can cause headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. This can have a negative impact on your ability to pilot the boat.
Common Sense Rules on Water
You must use your common sense to guide your recreational activities. When piloting a boat, you must keep these guidelines in your mind while enjoying the water:
- You must maintain a safe speed when traveling through a populated area with plenty of recreational traffic, which includes the rules of the water, wake zones, passing and etc
- You must stay alert at all times with a 360-degree view of what is happening around you.
- You must follow the buoys and navigational signs placed to ensure your safety.
- Steer clear of large vessels and watercraft as they cannot stop or turn quickly as little vessels.
Therefore, please share the safety rules and regulations with everyone on the boat. Don’t forget to tell children, if any. When everyone knows the safety protocols, you can focus on soaking up the summer sun with your friends and family. So this summer, stay safe and have fun boating.
Should you have any questions about your boat insurance or boat coverage, please contact Paula Smith Insurance at (281) 488-8880 and we’ll see how we can help you with your boating needs.