Basic Safety Gear

Well, Memorial Day has final come, marking the beginning of the boating season. The days are getting longer and warmer, and if you wear layers, you can enjoy being out on the water once more. This early in the season it’s important to be a bit more vigilant on the safety front than during high season, as there are significantly fewer boaters to lend any needed assistance.

Check your basic safety equipment – Does your VHF work properly? Do you have the right number of PFDs in the right types and sizes? Are your fire extinguishers ready and accessible? And, are your flares current? Finally, do you really know how to use each piece of safety equipment?

Getting out on the water early in the season, with less traffic to contend with, can be an enjoyable experience. Invest a few minutes in checking your basic safety gear before heading out to ensure your experience is a truly a good one.