Boating Safely With Children
Updated April 3, 2017 . AmFam Team
Does a wave of anticipation wash over you before each day on the water? With boat safety training and a little common sense, you can relax on the water knowing that you’re prepared for the unexpected.
Avoid Boating Accidents With a Coast Guard Safety Inspection
Free of charge, the U.S. Coast Guard offers Vessel Safety Checks (Opens in a new tab) performed on your boat. And you can schedule it to occur either on the pier at your marina or on the trailer in your driveway. It’s a great way to ensure that your boat is in compliance with federal and state boating laws. Make sure you do it every year. They’ll verify that your boat has for the following items and credentials:
- Life Jackets
- Registration and numbering
- Navigation lights
- Ventilation
- Fire extinguishers
- Distress signals (flares, horn, etc.)
- Battery cover and connections
Safe Boating Starts With Common Sense
Now that you’ve got the safety basics down, review these common sense ideas and extra precautions to help keep everyone on the boat safe.
Install carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure that carbon monoxide isn’t building up in your cabin. Be sure that all enclosed areas are ventilated and remember to reposition the boat so that riders avoid exhaust fumes when idling.
Use a depth finder. One of the best ways to avoid obstacles hidden underwater is to reference a depth finder when boating. Many on the market today display video details in high resolution and tell you where the fish are hiding, too!
Emergency preparedness is key. Be sure you’ve got air horns, emergency flares and fire extinguishers mounted in a clearly-visible area. Train your crew how to use the radio, call for help and send a distress signal.
Designate a second in command. It’s important to have another person on board that’s fully trained and ready-to-pilot if you or the primary person’s unable to.
Create a pre-boating checklist. Write up an itemized list of everything you need for the boat and review it before you head out. Be sure to include safety precautions, necessary items and don’t forget food, snacks and drinks.
Check your fuel and fluids. Remember to top off your fuel before heading out into the water. Look at the motor oil levels and peek at the coolant, filling as necessary prior to disembarking.
Pack a good toolbox. Make a list of the go-to tools you’re going to need to make quick repairs and get those into a waterproof toolbox you can keep on the boat.
Think about docking and anchoring now. Be sure your anchor is tethered to the boat, and it’s readily available for use. Carry extra dock lines and be sure to have a couple extra fenders on board for docking while you’re away.
Inspect the batteries. Verify the selector switch is properly positioned when two-battery charging’s in play. Pack spare batteries for handheld items like flashlights and portable navigational devices.
Don’t forget to have a blast! The memories you make boating with the kids and family can last a lifetime. While you’re working on getting your boat ready for the water, check in with your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab). Finding the right protection for your boat can really help to bring peace of mind, knowing that your big investment is carefully insured.
Related Articles
- Recreational Vehicle Insurance: What’s Covered?
Cruising down the highway on your motorcycle or riding around the lake on your personal watercraft are activities you dream about in the cold winter months. And with warm weather fast approaching, it’s time to get your recreational vehicles tuned up and ready for summer fun. But performing maintenance on your ATV and filling your RV’s gas tank aren’t the only things you need to check off your to-do list — making sure you have the right recreational vehicle insurance coverage is key to protecting the vehicles you work hard for.
Let’s find out if you have the proper coverage in place.
Why Do Your Recreational Vehicles Need Coverage?
Accidents happen — and they can be disruptive and costly. Insurance for your recreational vehicles can help reduce or eliminate your financial burden should the unexpected occur.
Having insurance for your hobby vehicles — like dirt bikes, RVs, jet skis and ATVs — is part of being a responsible recreational vehicle owner. And knowing you’re financially protecting the things you work so hard for gives you peace of mind as you set out on your adventures.
Find coverage for things like:
- Liability protection to help pay expenses associated with things like injuries or property damage
- Collision coverage to protect against loss or damage to your recreational vehicle
- Emergency roadside or waterside service for certain vehicles that breakdown
- So much more!
- How to Buy Recreational Vehicles
You work hard all year long for those precious days in the sun, when you can get outside and enjoy the weather. Maybe you’ve been dreaming about finally buying a recreational vehicle of your own. If you have, you know you’ve got a lot of choices, from campers, travel trailers and ATVs to fishing boats and wave runners.
Whatever you choose, purchasing a recreational vehicle can be a big investment — and it’s one you should take seriously. One of the best ways to buy is to do your homework first and then narrow down your choices to those that retain their value best.
- Renting an RV
When it’s time for your next vacation, you may be thinking about switching things up and renting an RV. Wondering how you can rent an RV? It’s really pretty simple and, in some ways, it works much the same as renting a car. You’ll first fill out an application, either online or at an RV dealer, and they’ll probably need a credit card for a deposit to secure your reservation.
And much like a car rental, you’ll probably need to meet the minimum age requirement to qualify. But because RVs are more complicated and much larger than a car, you may want to find an RV rental group that offers RV training to new customers before you drive off the lot. Try Googling “where to rent an RV” — you’ll likely find a long list of options and rental groups — then, reach out to those that best meet your needs.
Not only can renting an RV save you money, but it offers a whole new perspective on vacation travel. Not sure how to get started? That’s why we’re here! Check out our tips on how to rent an RV, so your first RV adventure goes off without a hitch!
- Snowmobile Buying Guide: What to Look for
As the leaves fall and the temperature follows suit, our minds drift towards wintry outdoor activities. A snowmobile can be your ticket to a flurry of fun this winter.
But before you run out and buy a snowmobile, there are a few factors you should consider first. For example, if this is your first time shredding the snow, then you’ll want to purchase a beginner’s snowmobile.
Here are some tips to help ensure the snowmobile you purchase is the right one for you and your family.
