Essential Boat Safety Tips for Beginners

Whether you’re new to the marine lifestyle or a seasoned veteran, you’ll want to prioritize safety on the water. Here are a few tips to help make your on-water adventures safer and more fun. Read on to learn more, and for more information, swing by Marsh Brothers for a friendly chat with our team!

Invest in Quality Safety Gear

Before heading to your favorite body of water, explore the market for good-quality safety gear for you and your passengers. First, you’ll want to select a well-fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each crew member. Life jackets can save lives in case of an accident, so choose durable models and learn to use them effectively. You’ll also want a few throwable floatation devices onboard your vessel before leaving home.

Keep Signaling Devices Handy

Next, you’ll want reliable communication tools for emergencies. Get VHF radios and keep a list of emergency contacts handy. You'll also want to invest in visual distress signals like flares, strobe lights, & flags, and portable or fixed horns and other sound-generating devices.

Fire Safety Equipment

Furthermore, you’ll want to keep one or two fire extinguishers onboard your boat. Place them strategically so you can find them in an emergency. You’ll also want to educate your passengers about operating a fire extinguisher before hitting the water.

Understand Weather Conditions

Unpredictable weather can ruin a boating experience, so to prevent this, it's vital to check weather forecasts before setting sail. Stormy weather requires expertise, so hold off boating until conditions become calmer.

Whatever your boating needs, we at Marsh Brothers are here for you. Our team can offer expert advice and service for all your boating needs and help you find your dream vessel at the right price. If you have more questions or want to peruse our fine selection of top-notch boats for sale, contact our dealership in Quincy, MI. We proudly serve Hillsdale, MI, and Angola, IN, so swing by today!