What’s the Importance of Boat Safety Equipment?

In 2021, 658 people lost their lives due to boating accidents in the U.S. An additional 2,600+ were injured – reports Statista. Some of these mishaps occurred due to negligence, while others were due to inclement weather or faulty boat safety equipment.

No matter the cause, every boat owner should know the importance of having proper safety gear on board their vessel. For instance, a death from failure to wear a safety vest is preventable. You can get must-have equipment or gear at Merritt Supply or your preferred store. Meanwhile, why should you invest in such gear? Here are some great reasons:

1. Dealing with an Emergency

What would happen if you suddenly face an emergency but don’t have the appropriate equipment to handle it? Well, the issue would quickly spiral out of control. By having the right gear, you can deal with any situation, whether it’s a medical emergency, a broken-down engine, or bad weather.

Let’s agree on one thing: an emergency can arise anytime while you’re out on the water, so it helps to be prepared. Depending on the size of your vessel and the waters you’ll be navigating, the required safety gear will vary. 

All the same, some of the essentials you should bring along include life jackets, flares, strobe lights, first-aid kits, floatation devices, personal locating beacons, and a radio.

1. Satisfying Legal Requirements

The legal requirements in most states specify the minimum amount and type of safety gear every boat must have. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in some hefty fines. In some cases, you might even lose your boating license. To avoid such penalties, consider toeing the line. 

Sure, some regulations may seem a bit over the top. But they serve a purpose – to keep you and other boats safe. So, even if you think you don’t need particular safety gear, it won’t hurt to have it on board, just in case.

1. Improving Your Chances of Survival

In an accident, having the proper safety gear can make all the difference between life and death. Let’s say your boat capsizes. Without a life jacket, you might drown before anyone has a chance to rescue you. Even if you’re a good swimmer, it’s still not worth the risk. Besides, where would you swim up to if you were miles from the shore?

Similarly, if you get stranded in the middle of nowhere, a flare can help rescuers locate you. Or, let’s suppose a fire erupts onboard. Without a fire extinguisher, it might be too late by the time help arrives. Hence, your boat could quickly go up in flames, not to mention the risk of fatalities. 

Thankfully, investing in appropriate safety gear can improve your odds of survival in case of an accident. Besides, it’s a small price, considering what you stand to lose should your plans go sideways. 

1. To Help you Stay on Course

Being on the open water is intriguing: your surroundings look the same, especially if you’re far from the shore. As such, it’s easy to lose your bearings and get lost. Without navigational devices – think a magnetic compass, navigational lights, or GPS – you could end up sailing in circles or, worse, running aground.

Thus, to avoid getting lost at sea and putting yourself in danger, head to a marine supply shop and grab some safety gear. You can ill afford to rely on your memory or sense of direction alone, especially when you’re in unfamiliar waters. Even if you have years of experience, it’s still advisable not to take your chances.

Besides, being out on a boat can lull you into a false sense of security, making you less likely to pay attention to your surroundings. So, before you know it, you’re in uncharted territory without a clue how to get back.

1. Peace of Mind

It is better to have the right equipment and not need to use it than the other way around. You’ve probably heard that before. By being proactive and investing in proper safety gear, you can rest easy knowing you and your crew are safe. 

After all, who would risk going out on the water without being confident they can deal with unforeseen circumstances? I wouldn’t, and neither should you. In fact, if some of your friends are tagging along, you are responsible for ensuring their safety. As such, you could face negligence charges or even worse if anything happens to them.

Are you sold on the importance of boat safety gear? I hope so. Clearly, the open water is no place for the unprepared or negligent. Refusal or failure to have the right equipment can result in accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Whether you’ve been boating for years or are still testing the waters (quite literally), familiarize yourself with the different types of safety gear and their use. While at it, ensure to pick and choose the appropriate equipment.