Although boat insurance protects you after an accident, you should take steps to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. To be safe and compliant with regulations, boaters should take the following safety precautions into account. 

How to Maintain Safety When Boating on a Lake

1. Give Everyone a Life Jacket

Swimming ability aside, everyone on your boat must wear a life jacket. They should fit snugly but not be too tight. Children should wear life jackets designed to fit them, not adults. 

2. Abide by After-Dark Lighting Regulations

Boating at night can be hazardous without the right lighting equipment. Lights affixed to different areas of a vessel—to the stern, along the side, and to the masthead—improve visibility as well as signal your presence to other boaters. Before heading out, check that your lighting equipment is working.

3. Take a Safe Boating Course

Even if you’re a seasoned boater, a boating course will refresh your knowledge and keep you up-to-date with changing regulations. New boaters and children can expand their understanding of safety by attending a class. On the successful completion of a course, you may be eligible for a discount on your boat insurance. 

4. Don’t Drink & Boat

Drinking while boating is dangerous and illegal. Boating while intoxicated may result in injuries and property damage. It will also be harder to swim while drunk, which increases your drowning risk. Never drink while boating to ensure you and your crew return safely to the dock.

5. Know What Drowning Looks Like

Drowning isn’t always easy to recognize. Look for a head tilted back with arms pushed down. A person who seems to be trying to lift themselves out of the water may be drowning. A drowning person who can’t breathe may not be able to shout for help.

Along with safety preparations, inspect your boat insurance policy before venturing out onto a lake. In Clayton, GA, A.W. Adams Insurance will help you set up a new policy or add to your coverage while answering questions about options. Since 1965, this insurance agency has provided a wide range of insurance products from respected carriers. They’ll help you cover your home, your vehicle, your boat, and your business as well as provide life insurance policies to safeguard your family. Schedule a consultation today by calling (706) 782-5100, or visit their website for a full listing of insurance carriers.