Boating makes any summer weekend into an adventure, but like most adventures, it’s not without risk. A sudden storm or minor mistake could cause an accident, potentially resulting in thousands of dollars in damage or serious injuries to your passengers or other boaters. While your liability insurance should cover any losses you might cause, the following tips can help you avoid these unfortunate situations in the first place and keep the fun going.

3 Summer Boating Safety Tips

1. Inspect the Vessel

If your boat has been stored all winter, perform a thorough safety check before getting underway. Inspect the engine for signs of leaking oil or other fluids, ensure the life jackets are in good condition, and have your fire extinguishers checked by a professional. Being proactive will ease your mind and reduce the need for liability insurance claims.

For maximum peace of mind, schedule a free safety inspection with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, which verifies that all your safety equipment is working properly. In addition to a preseason inspection, be sure to scrutinize your boat every time you take it onto the water.

2. Have Everyone Wear Life Vests

Accidents on the water can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving your passengers without enough time to get to their life vests. To ensure everyone is ready for the unexpected, have your passengers keep their life vests on at all times, especially elderly family members and young children.

3. Let Someone Know Where You’re Going

Finding a lost or stranded boater can be a difficult task, even on inland waterways. Before setting out, make sure a friend or family member knows where you plan to go and when you should be back. Letting someone know where you are will help authorities locate you if you run into trouble.

If you’re involved in a boating accident, having the right property and liability insurance will insulate you from lawsuits and serious financial losses. Since 1988, Tammy Ross Insurance has helped boaters throughout the Monroe, NC, area shield themselves from the unexpected with comprehensive and liability insurance policies from some of the industry’s leading carriers. Visit their website for a look at their boating and auto insurance products, follow their Twitter for more tips and advice, or call (704) 233-4981 to request a free quote.