Boat Safety Essentials

As a boat operator, you want to be responsible so that you can keep yourself, your passengers, and others safe. A reckless boater can cause serious property damage and injury or even death to other people, which is why boat safety is so important. Here are some of the most basic boat safety tips you should know and follow.

1. Stock Necessary Items

You should bring several items with you on every boat trip, no matter how short. A first-aid kit with ointments, bandages, painkillers, and other supplies is a must. You should also have an emergency radio, signal flares, flashlights, warm blankets, extra clothing, bottled water, and snacks.

2. Educate Your Passengers

Whether you’re boating with kids, teens, adults, or a mix of all three, you’ll need to make sure that your passengers are ready to go and aware of what they should and should not do. Everyone should be wearing a well-fitting life jacket from dock to dock, and no one should hang off the side of the boat while it’s moving. You’ll also want to tell your younger passengers not to bother the operator of the boat while they’re actively steering it.

3. Maintain Your Boat

Finally, it’s crucial that you keep your boat maintained at all times. A neglected boat is much more likely to let you down while you’re out on the water. If you ever require professional assistance with boat maintenance, get in touch with the Portland Marine & Electronics service department.

Looking for a boat in Oregon? Visit our dealership in Clackamas, OR, to check out our fantastic stock of new and used boats for sale. Portland Marine & Electronics serves our customers on both sides of the Columbia River in the metro areas of Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA.