Three Tips to Prevent Boating Accidents
Regardless of whether you’re on a fishing trip, cruising with your friends, or enjoying a relaxing day with your family, you’ll want your boating trips to be comfortable and safe. However, accidents can happen anytime due to various reasons, such as a mechanical error, overspeeding, or sudden changes in the weather conditions. That’s why you must ensure that you take all precautionary measures before you head out.
At L&M Marine, we know a thing or two about boat safety, which is why we have created this guide to help you stay safe on the water.
Keep reading to learn more, and if you have any questions, visit us in Stapleton, AL, where we happily welcome our friends from Mobile, AL, and Pensacola, FL.
1. If Your Boat Catches Fire
Fortunately, most modern boats are built to prevent fires. However, an unnoticed fuel leak can result in your vessel catching fire. If you’re too far away from the dock, you’ll have to swim back to safety, a situation that can scare even the most experienced swimmer.
To avoid a mishap due to fire, be vigilant of any fuel fumes around the bilge or obvious leaks on your craft. Also, bring along one or two fire extinguishers on every trip and make sure they’re updated.
2. In Case of Battery Failure
A faulty battery will prevent your boat from starting, which means you’ll end up stranded. The lighting system will also fail at night, making it difficult for other boaters to notice your vessel. This situation is dangerous, and to avoid it, you’ll want to regularly check your batteries’ fluid levels, especially if your vessel has flooded cell batteries. Many of the latest boats come with absorbed glass mat batteries, which are leak-proof and require no maintenance. So, check to see the battery type that came with your boat, and if it is a cell battery, you’ll want to include it in your regular maintenance schedule. Keep a flashlight and flares on board your vessel to use in an emergency.
3. If You’re Speeding at Night
One of the common causes of boating accidents is failing to maintain a safe speed, especially after dusk. Speeding at night is risky because you can’t always trust your senses to determine whether the way is clear, and you could end up colliding with a boat whose lighting system is off due to a dead battery. To enjoy the thrill of operating your vessel at high speeds, ensure that you do it only during the day when the visibility is good.
Before you embark on your next outing, you may want to get your boat serviced by a professional technician. In that case, visit L&M Marine in Stapleton, AL, where our experts can maintain your vessel and get it ready for your trip. And, if you want to upgrade your boat, our team can show you our latest collection and help you pick a model that’s right for your lifestyle. We proudly serve those from Mobile, AL, and Pensacola, FL.