Tips for Making Sure Your Boat Rental Is as Safe as Possible
If you want to start enjoying watercraft with your family, then a boat rental is a good choice. And if you have little to no experience with boating, then you want to make sure that you can man the craft as safely as possible. Keep reading to learn about some tips to help you boat safely.
Take a Safety Course
Many states have certain education requirements that must be met before you can rent and operate a personal watercraft of any kind. These include boats, jet skis, and other types of crafts. The education requirement is typically a quick safety course, and you will likely need to show the certificate of completion when renting the boat.
A few states that require education include Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Other states require a certificate if you are a teenager who is operating a personal watercraft.
If for some reason you do not live in a state that requires a safety certificate or an education course, it is still a good idea to take one before you start using a boat. This will help to ensure that you and your family are as safe as possible.
There are a variety of different organizations that offer boater education programs. A few examples include the Coast Guard, Safe Boating America, Boat Safe, and the National Safe Boating Council. These programs are inexpensive or free certificate programs that help teach you how to navigate a boat, use safety equipment properly, and deal with emergency situations.
Make Sure Life Jackets Fit
Even if you and your family are great swimmers, life jackets are absolutely necessary. Many states require that they be worn by any and all individuals who are present in a boat. The states that do not mandate this have specific rules in relation to younger children and the age at which the jackets are no longer required. This age is usually 13 or above.
And when you are getting your life jackets ready, you should make sure that they fit correctly. The jackets are made specifically to fit individuals based on their height and weight. They should fit snugly when they are tightened, and they should not move when you lift your arms above your head.
If possible, you should wear the life jacket in water deep enough to float in to verify that the jacket does not rise above your chin. This is a good gauge of whether or not the device fits correctly or not.
If you want to know more about boating and the things that you can do to make sure that your experience is a safe one, speak with a boat rental business.