Safety Tips on The Water

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is in full swing here in the Northeast. Boating season is short season here, and here at SERVPRO of White Plains, we want you to make the most of the boating season and maintain safety at all times 

Here in New York, we just witnessed a tragedy on the Hudson River. A 12-foot pleasure boat capsized in the choppy waters by one of New York City’s fames piers. 2 people lost their lives, on a boat that reportedly had 13 people on it.  

We would like to offer a few boating safety tips  

Life Jackets Life Jackets Life Jackets- Seems pretty simple right? It should be, but many boating casualties are from people not wearing life jackets. People say, “but I can swim”, So can I, I can swim in a pool, but can you swim in a river or ocean, or lake with currents and rough waters? People who fall out of a boat, can often be injured, or disoriented, or even unconscious. A life jacket can save your life. 

Everyone on the boat should have a life jacket. Many states require this. They should be size appropriate and worn at all times. Do not be laxed about this. Life Jackets are probably the single most important thing you can have on board. 

Familiarize yourself with boating state laws. People sometimes have a how hard could it be attitude. Knowledge is priceless.  

Take a boating safety course 

Plan Ahead- Let someone on land know your boating plan also known as a Float Plan. 

Have a first aid kit and a small tool kit on board 

Sunscreen and plenty of drinking water 

Have a designated driver who is boating familiar 

Check the weather, storms can come up pretty quickly out there, and what looks like a faraway storm can approach very rapidly. 

Use common sense. The water can be the most relaxing place to spend a sunny afternoon on. Don’t let a bad judgment call ruin your day or your summer. 

Enjoy and Be Safe!!