Boating Safety Tips and Resources

Stay Safe During Boating Season

Every summer, we hear stories about how a fun weekend on the water took a turn for the worse. Often, these accidents could have been prevented with just a few simple precautions. The team at Advisors Insurance Agency wants to help you stay safe during boating season. Here are a few tips for boating safety that we like – courtesy of our partners at Safeco.

Don’t let a boating accident wreck your summer fun!

Life Preservers Aren’t Just for Kids

It’s not enough to just have life jackets on board — wear them! In an accident, people rarely have time to reach for a life jacket. This rule applies to adults, not just children: More people in their 30s die in boating accidents than any other age group. Life vests have come a long way in style. Today, you can even get vests for your water-loving dog!

Watch the Back of the Boat

Carbon monoxide kills in minutes. So tell your passengers where your exhaust pipes are located and turn off your engine when people are in the water, and don’t let passengers “ski” or “teak-surf” by holding on to the back of the boat. Both Washington and Oregon made teak-surfing illegal in the last few years, after several tragic deaths. Carbon monoxide detectors are standard on most new boats; older boats install devices for less than $100.

Alcohol and Boating Don’t Mix

More than 50 percent of drowning’s result from boating incidents involving alcohol. You don’t drink and drive, so don’t boat and drive.

Boats Need TLC Too

When you’re out on the water, make sure your gas tanks are vented and bilges are free of vapors, oil, waste and grease. Carry a charged fire extinguisher. Have your boat’s operating systems checked yearly by a certified marine technician. The Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons also offer free vessel safety checks.

Experience Counts

The U.S. Coast Guard says that operator errors account for 70 percent of all boating accidents. Anyone who drives your boat must be properly trained. You can also earn boat insurance discounts from Safeco and other insurers if you complete a safety course with the Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons.

Watercraft Insurance

Most home insurance policies have limited coverage for boats. If you own a boat, watercraft insurance is your best bet. It covers theft, damage, and injuries or accidents while you’re on the water, as well as some of your expensive watersports gear. Contact your Advisor today to find out what your current policy covers or if you need Watercraft Insurance. While we hope these boating safety tips will help you stay safe, we also want to make sure you are protected in the unfortunate event of an accident.