Important boat safety tips for summer

We know a lot of people will be looking forward to cooling off by the pool or getting out on the water.
But, it’s important to remember that there are safety protocols you should take to prevent tragedies from happening.

From jet skis, to pontoon boats, to swimming, there are a lot of great ways to cool off on a hot summer day, but there is also a safe way to do it.
There are safety items that are required to have on your boat, Mark O’Dell, the general sales manager for Alpin Haus Boats, says

The requirements include: a life preserver, a throwable flotation device, a distress flag, flares, a fire extinguisher, a whistle or horn, and a paddle.

There are also recommendations for boaters.
Items that are not required, but could help if you, if an emergency happens.

Make sure you bring water, stay hydrated, it’s easy to get dehydrated while getting sun exposure.

“There have been a lot of new boaters out on the water since the pandemic hit, and it’s important for people to take safety seriously,” O’Dell said.

“Take a boater safety course, know the rules of navigation, understand who has the right of way while you’re driving a boat. Understand how to anchor and dock a boat. Count heads while they are swimming.”

According to the New York State parks, recreation, and historic preservation’s 2022 recreational boating report – New York had fewer total reported incidents and injuries in 2022, compared to 2021.
From 2012 to 2022, recreational boating deaths have averaged 22 deaths per year.

“A momentary lapse in judgement is what causes all these tragedies,” O’ Dell said. “Keep it simple, keep it safe, and enjoy the day”.