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Monday, March 19, 2012 20:29
Seven Tips for Safety on Boating Trips with Children
The importance of safety on boating trips can never be emphasized enough. If you ever thought there was a risk when taking the kids out on the lake, would you even go? Most families would choose to stay home in safety as opposed to running any risk of this nature.
I know I always keep a close eye on the kids whenever we go to the beach or to the lakes. Can you predict the future and cover every base? It is hard to know all the challenges you’ll be facing before you get to the water, but I know the basics have always given me a strong start. Here are 7 tips – my safety plan – for protecting kids on any type of boating trip.
• Make sure they know the water. Do you know the amount of time your child can hold his or her breath underwater? Have you seen them respond to an event like capsizing and still maintain their poise? Even if your child knows how to swim well, the element of shock can wreak havoc on confidence. Do a few drills so you are confident they will react properly.
• Get to know the devices you are using beforehand. Just because you bought a new Kwik Tek airhead or some other device that everyone is eager to try doesn’t mean you should rush into the water with it. I like to do a practice run in a completely safe body of water first, so everyone knows the new tube or towing system, and the hand signals for communicating with the driver of the boat.
• Check life jackets before every trip. Estimates vary, but government agencies generally conclude that over 60% of lives lost in the water could be avoided if everyone was wearing a functioning life jacket. Can this statistic be any clearer? It is your duty to check and double check before every trip.
• Treat every season like a new challenge. Just because you have done these things before with your kids doesn’t mean you can head right to midseason form. There should be a warm-up period before every season, so you and your kids get back into the groove. As I’ve gotten older, I really need this warm-up.
• Know what’s coming. When you pull out on a beautiful day, it seems preposterous that a storm is approaching. Keep up on weather reports so no one is caught off-guard by a quick change in the elements. Check back later if your outing is extended. And know the area where you are boating. If your boat has a GPS unit, use it to identify the depth of the water, obstacles, even locating your way back to shore. If you don’t have one mounted in the boat, check out portable, waterproof units by searching on GPS best review articles.
• Approach fallen skiers with caution. It can be amusing to the whole family to see water skiers fall down, among other water sports “wipeouts.” You need to approach fallen skiers with care. Turn off the engine on the boat before getting close to them.
• Never allow anyone who has been drinking to operate a boat with your children inside. If you have been invited out in a boat and you notice the driver has been drinking, politely excuse yourself and your children. There is nothing good to come out of a trip that starts this way. It’s better to risk a faux pas than the safety of people you love.
Following safety rules for children will make you feel comfortable on every trip. As time goes by, I’ve gotten my safety check to the point where it is second nature. In fact, the kids and I play little games to make sure it isn’t boring for them. Whatever you have to do to make sure safety comes first, make sure you have done it before any trip into the water.
“Out of this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, safety.” William Shakespeare.
About the Author
Jane Warren is a freelance writer who gives advice on safety in water sports. Her website, www.towabletubesdirect.com provides information and reviews on popular recreational water sports equipment.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 1:19
Be Safe and Have Fun While Boating
After purchasing the boat of your dreams, there are still some things you want to buy before going out on your maiden voyage. Besides making sure that all your registration papers are in order, there are other items you can take along – both for safety and enjoyment purposes.
Life Jackets: For safety, you should always have enough life jackets on board for all your passengers. And you want to make sure the life jackets are the right sizes – for both adults and children, large and small. Life jackets are required in most states and recommended for anyone boating on the water, so make sure you comply with that requirement.
Cell Phone: A cell phone is good to have along when you are out on the water. Most boats have ship-to-shore radios we can use in case or emergency, but it’s nice to have a cell phone along to call home or the marina. If you take your cell phone on board, be sure to have a dry pack for your phone, ipad, or other electronic devices. The spray from water or an unexpected storm can soak your electronic gear to render them useless.
Waterproof Binoculars: These can be great for sightseeing, finding places and things that you normally might not have spotted. I like lightweight binoculars, that are not bulky, and small enough to pack in a compartment on the boat. I’ve been so glad to have these along when we spotted dolphins, turtles, flying fish and other animals. Plus you can use them to keep a look out for other objects in the water, like swimmers, snorkelers, and other vessels or buoys.
Insect Repellent: Sometimes we think of being out in the middle of nowhere when on our boat, but mosquitoes and other pesky insects can pretty much find you, especially if you go near the shore or perhaps a small island. Carrying plenty of insect repellent can save you from plenty of bug bites.
GPS/Fish finders: You may be an old pro fisherman, but even the best anglers can only be helped by using GPS and fish finder devices. They help shorten the trip by improving your catch rate and gives you more time to enjoy other aspects of boating besides fishing, if that’s what you want to do. The Garmin GPS 76 marine navigator is a waterproof, handheld unit that is popular with many boaters. We use ours to mark our favorite fishing spots, and good dive locations.
Towable Boat Tubes: This is a great way for kids, or those who don’t water ski, to have fun on the water in a safe, exciting manner. There are a variety of water tubes you can purchase that can carry up to four people. One of the most popular is the G-Force tube by Airhead – it is a 2 person boat tube that provides hours of fun on the water.
These are a few items you can carry with you on your next boat trip. And as you spend more time on the water, you and your fellow boaters will think of other things to include on your boat. Just always be sure to put safety first when spending time on the water.
About the Author
Jane Warren loves boating and water sports. She just returned from a live-aboard diving trip to the Maldives. Because of her involvement in boating and water activities, Jane publishes www.towabletubesdirect.com, with reviews of towable boat tubes, and other high quality boating equipment.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 3:02
Some people will say that freshwater fishing is a very fun outdoor sport if they want to catch bass, trout or other kinds of freshwater fish. Most people who love fishing will also say that deeper waters are the best places for this. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to access these places without a boat.
Yes, with a boat, you can fish in even the deepest lake areas. However, you will have to choose the perfect boat first if you want to make the most out of your watercraft. So, why don’t you try out aluminum boats for fishing? Believe it or not, aluminum boats are actually much more beneficial than other kinds of boats out there. In fact, this is why most people choose to use them whenever they go fishing.
Nowadays, fishermen have a wide array of choices when it comes to fishing boats, from bigger boats to kayaks to canoes. However, real hobbyists of the sport still say that aluminum boats would be the best watercraft options overall. See, aluminum boats ensure durability and, compared to fiberglass hulls that may need extensive and expensive repairs, aluminum boats are also easy to fix when their hulls get holes in them. All you would have to do is hire someone to do some basic welding work for you in case your boats gets punctured. How easy is that?
Also, because they are lighter in weight compared to other types of boats out there, aluminum boats are better options for people who are worried about the economy of fuel. Since they are lighter than most fishing boats out there, your car or truck won’t have to go through too much effort to bring your boat to the lake or river. This means that your towing vehicle will use up less fuel and save you some gas money in the long run.
Another advantage of an aluminum boat is that it is easy to clean. If you happen to have a small aluminum boat in the water, then you can just clean its hull by flipping the boat over and letting water purr out. This can only be done to basic hand-powered aluminum boats with oars, though. However, even aluminum boats with several seats and windshield on them are easy to clean with the use of a wet-dry vacuum.
Overall, there are various other advantages that come with aluminum boats, thus making them the ideal options for fishermen. Either way, you really shouldn’t have to think twice anymore when it comes down to it. If you opt for an aluminum boat to go fishing in, you definitely will not be left disappointed as it will surely serve your fishing needs in your choice of lake, estuary or waterway. Try it!
About the author: Pia Cammeron was born and raised in United States. She currently works as an editor for a small publishing house in New York. She also writes for Toledo SEO, a firm that provides SEO services and web design for small businesses.
Thursday, October 20, 2011 14:42
Boating is a wonderful and very popular activity, as it instils a sense of freedom and relaxation in people when they are out on the water. As enjoyable as this activity is, boaters must always keep the safety of themselves and their passengers at the forefront of their minds. There are a few guidelines to follow to ensure that everybody on the boat remains safe and is able to enjoy themselves.
Boating Safety Equipment
Before even setting foot on the boat, you must see to it that both yourself and all your passengers are provided with life jackets. Each and every passenger must be wearing a securely fitted life jacket whether they are strong swimmers or not. In addition, as there is no protection from the sun when out on the water, everybody should be wearing sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat to prevent sunburn and sunstroke.
Be Prepared
Before setting sail in any type of vessel, it is important to ensure that there are necessities on board such as fresh water and a first aid kit. You might not be planning to sail very far, but you should be prepared for any eventuality. For this reason it would also be advisable to have a flare gun on board, a fire extinguisher, and if possible, a working marine radio. Another item that boaters should have is some type of GPS boat navigation system. The Marine GPS unit can provide you with directional informational, water depth, tides, and sunrise/sunset times.
The Condition Of The Boat
Much in the same way as a car should be checked out before a journey, a boat must also be examined to make sure that it is fit to sail and be on the water. Depending on the type of vessel, you will need to check that it has enough fuel or that its sails are in good working order. Ensure that there are no tripping hazards on deck. You must also check the bilge pump to make sure that it is pumping the bilge water effectively, as a defective bilge pump could result in a sinking boat.
Know Your Capacity and Limitations
Overloading your boat’s capacity by even one person could result in it sinking. You must know the recommended capacity for your vessel, and never exceed it. Also, while it may not be against the law for people to drink alcohol on board a boat, it is not advised. Alcohol will impair the senses, increasing the chances of delayed response to any item needing immediate action. Obviously, it is illegal for anybody operating a boat to drink alcohol at all.
Know The Area
You should have a good plan of where you want to travel to and any obstacles which might be in your way. It is a good idea to carry a few different sailing maps of the surrounding area, as well as a compass. Also, it goes without saying that the weather forecast must be checked before setting out as well. This is another use for a Marine GPS system, which can be installed on the boat, or be portable GPS navigator.
The safety tips for boating listed here are just a few examples of how to take caution when boating. They are not difficult to follow, and will in no way prevent anybody from enjoying their boating experience. In fact, the opposite is true, since by ensuring that everybody on board a boat is safe and secure, your guests will be much more likely to relax and enjoy being on the water.
About the Author
Jane Warren is a boater and water sport enthusiast. Because of her love for boating and water activities, Jane publishes a website with reviews of water towable tubes, and other high quality boating and water sports equipment. She also blogs on various aspects of water sports, including safety tips for boating and other water sports.
Monday, September 12, 2011 21:04
People who love the beach usually love boating, too. Whether they bring a boat on a trailer from home, or charter or rent one, spending some quality time in the water with family members and friends can definitely create some wonderful memories. However, it would also be important to follow safe boating practices while participating in these relaxing or exciting water-based activities on the beach. Here are several tips that will ensure your next boating trip is an unforgettable one.
Tip Number One: Wear a life vest.
Always make sure that every passenger on the boat has a properly inspected and tagged life vest on. No matter how great of a swimmer you might be, you should always put on a life jacket when boating – remember. Adults have to wear life vests that fit their bodies perfectly and can hold their weight with ease, while children have to wear life vests made especially for them. This means that you shouldn’t just tie a big life vest onto a child as tightly as possible. That will not be enough.
Tip Number Two: Use sunscreen.
Family beach vacations should always come hand-in-hand with sunscreen. The sun happens to be especially strong on water, so make sure you use sunscreen with high SPF when boating. For better protection from potential sunburn, reapply it after waterskiing or swimming.
Tip Number Three: Stay hydrated.
Do not forget to bring a lot of drinks with you on your next boating trip. Ideally, you should bring a nice variety of caffeine-free drinks and soft drinks. Use the hull cooler of your boat to hold your drinks of choice and to hold ice. If you forgot to bring anything with you, then just visit a convenience store on the beach. They will usually have drinks, snacks and ice available for your purchase.
Tip Number Four: Go fishing.
On that note, you can also visit a boardwalk store on the beach to buy live bait to use for fishing. Freshwater and saltwater fishing happen to be very relaxing activities for boating trips. Not only will you be able to socialize as you fish, but you will also be able to take in some good scenery and a lot of fresh air. Of course, you have to make sure that you have the right equipment and a license with you. If you need help with any of this, just get in touch with someone at the beach resort area.
Tip Number Five: Try various water sports.
As fun as riding a boat can be, riding behind a boat is even more fun. So, bring some water skis, boogie boards and knee boards with you and have a blast with your family members and friends on your next boating trip. Enjoy!
About the author: Derrick Webb is a traveller and has a passion in fishing and boating. He is also blogging about relational database development and he writes for Toledo web design, a firm that provides SEO services and web design for small businesses.
Friday, August 12, 2011 0:23
Boating can be a rather fulfilling hobby. There’s nothing that beats watching the sun rise or set from in a boat in the middle of a lake. There’s nothing quite like looking out on blue sea waters and knowing that there’s an entirely other world down there. It’s not short on thrill and excitement, but before you hop on your boat to sail off into the high waters, remember that it’s important to check whether your vessel is indeed cut out for it.
Studies show that up to 700 Americans die every year due to boating accidents. If you want to avoid a similar fate, never take safety checks for granted by skipping over them.
Make sure there’s a safety jacket on board. Don’t assume that because everybody knows how to swim, you won’t need a safety jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) onboard. Most victims of drowning die because they were not wearing life jackets while out on the water. However unlikely, you need to accept the possibility of someone falling off the boat. On the other hand, victims also drown because they were wearing life jackets that did not keep their heads above the water once they lost consciousness.
Never drink and drive. This nifty rule also applies to boating, aside from land driving. Alcohol can reduce your level of alertness significantly, and can result in harm for more people than yourself. Technically, it’s not illegal to drink while on a boat, but it’s essential that whoever drives needs to stay sober, or at least know when it’s time to stop. Mariners can be charged with boating under the influence (BUI) if their blood alcohol levels are above the standard 0.08.
Keep a radio on board, or to be specific, a VHF mariner’s radio. Although a cellphone might seem like the most practical option, it’s a lot less hardy than a radio. It can get wet, lose signal, or run out of batteries. A mariner’s radio is a near-guarantee that wherever you are, and whatever happens, you will have contact with fellow mariners, as well as people onshore. In order for this to work, you need to register your radio so people can find you, so don’t overlook this step. Also, before you set out for the water, make sure to inform someone where you’re headed, who you’re with, and for how long you might be gone.
Get yourself educated. Sure, it’s not exactly rocket science, but if you’re serious about boating as a hobby, or if you simply want to stay safe, then it’s highly recommended that you enroll in a boating course to supplement any lapses in your technical knowledge. Presently there is no law that requires a license for individuals behind the wheel on a boat, but a course will teach you how a boat works, the complexities of navigation on waters, important safety measures, and how to drive a boat in case your driver is, for some reason, unable to take hold of the wheel.
About the author: Caherine P. is a writer for an expat community blog that provides international calling cards and a international prepaid calling cards for international travelers. She also frequently blogs about a variety of different topics. Take an additional 10% off with coupon code “acc10″
Saturday, July 30, 2011 22:05
Boat Trailer, Life Jackets, and GPS for Your Boat
If you’re a person that loves to go boating, there may be a few things you’ll want to make your life with a boat a whole lot easier.
When boating, it’s always an excellent idea to bring along the right type of safety equipment that could help you in case of an emergency, in regards to yourself or someone that is traveling with you. You will also want to bring along some equipment that will make things a little bit easier for you while getting your boat to the water, on the water, and back home safely.
 Properly fit life jackets for children There are many different items that are used for boating. However, in this article we will talk about 3 items for your boating wish list that will enable you to have a safe and fun trip.
1. Having a good Boat Trailer:
You will need an good boat trailer for transporting your boat to and from the water. An excellent boat trailer will also prevent your boat from being damaged while not in the water, as well as enabling you to get your boat safely to the water. Depending on the size of your boat, this will determine the type of trailer you’ll need. When picking out your trailer, you don’t necessarily need something that is more expensive than your boat. But you want something that can transport your boat comfortably as well as protecting it.
2. Life Jackets are an Excellent Investment:
Although life jackets have saved many lives, people today still don’t pay enough attention to the importance of having the correct type of boating life jacket on board your boat. Life jackets, or personal flotation devices, are critical to have on board, and when boating, you will surely want to have a couple of different sizes available. If you’re the type that likes to boat alone, you may not have the need to have more than one or two life jackets. On the other hand, if you like to entertain, you’ll definitely want to have a couple of different sizes available that will fit your passengers properly.
This may sound a little extreme; however, life jackets save lives when they are worn, and worn correctly. If an accident were to occur, a person will not need to know how to swim to stay afloat until help arrives. The other very important factor is making sure that all of your passengers, including yourself, wear life jackets at all times when on the water. This makes a life jacket one of your most important investments when it comes to boating.
3.) GPS Navigational System:
A properly enabled GPS device will help you get to and from any location when you are traveling on the water. A GPS device is a navigational tool that can help you find different locations with the push of a button. If you’ve been to a certain area and you would like to return, simply type in the coordinates and your marine GPS device will guide you there effortlessly. Some boat GPS systems are equipped with tracking, which is also an added benefit, if you are ever taken off course. Also, Simply by activating this device, you can be found by search and rescue, making this unit a must-have.
If you are adding items to your boating wish list, there are many more items to choose from such as Fishfinders with GPS, Drypak for iPhone or iPad, Airhead G-Force towable boat tubes, water proof binoculars, and the list goes on. Just keep in mind your safety and the safety of others, and the rest will all be fun.
About the Author
Jane Warren is a boater and water sport enthusiast. Because of her involvement in boating and water activities, Jane publishes a website with reviews of water towable tubes, and other high quality boating gear and water sports equipment.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011 8:59
 Scuba diving is the best way to experience the underwater world. Snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tours might let you look down into the sea, but only by getting down there yourself can you really meet marine life face to face. With a tank on your back it’s possible to move independently and explore reefs, rocky caves, wrecks and more, and see fish, anemones, rays, sea turtles, and sharks going about their business- if you look in the right place, that is.
Dives are divided into two categories. On a shore dive, participants either walk into the sea across a beach or get in off rocks. On a boat dive (as the name suggests) they just drop straight into deep water from a boat. Of the two, boat diving is usually considered more challenging. Navigation is often less straightforward and the water is more likely to be deep, which brings additional hazards. However, there is no reason why qualified divers can’t dive from their own boats as long as they take appropriate precautions and choose their dive site well.
First of all, consider the depth. 30m/100ft is usually about the limit for recreational diving. Any deeper and the risk of nitrogen narcosis rises sharply. The further down you go, the more decompression time you’ll need, and when boat diving you can’t simply find an interesting patch of ocean floor at the right depth and decompress there, because there may not be one. Deep water is also darker, and beyond 30m there is usually less to see. Currents and tidal rips should also be considered.
The best thing to do is consult the nearest dive shop. Get your tanks filled and ask about the best boat dive sites. That way you’re more likely to stay safe and see interesting things down there. There may also be local regulations that apply in some harbors and inlets. Divers to the left, boat traffic to the right, for example. The dive shop will also be able to give you all that information.
Other boats can also be a major hazard to divers, and if you do plan to dive from your own boat, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got a ‘diver down’ flag to fly when divers are in the water. There are two that will do the job- the red square with a white diagonal bar and the blue and white Alpha flag, which can also indicate a more general risk of collision.
Getting in and out can be a little trickier off a boat. Some divers go for the classic fall backwards, others step in and get someone remaining on the boat to hand down their fins. If you’re tired on exit and having trouble getting back out onto a moving boat, a good tip is to hand up your fins and get someone on board to grab your tank and give you a hand.
If you’re already a qualified diver, taking your own boat out can be tremendously rewarding. You can visit offshore islands, try deeper dives, or go looking for seals, sharks, manta rays, or particularly interesting patches of reef. If you haven’t dived before, it’s very easy to find an instructor and get started. It’ll let you experience the sea in a whole new way, and almost anyone who can swim can learn to dive.
Jess Spate has been a qualified diver for many years. When not in the water, she works as a consultant for a company that sells underwater cameras and writes extensively about travel and outdoor sports.
Image credit: Mozaik Underwater Cameras, www.housingcamera.com
Tuesday, June 28, 2011 17:10
 Boating is one summer activity that millions of Americans look forward to. There’s no greater feeling than being out on the open water, free to enjoy the wind, the waves and the scenery with friends and loved ones. The one challenge with boating is that, until recently, the ability to power your watercraft was limited to what you could fit and carry on board. This is what makes marine solar panels a “game changer.”
When taking your boat out unto the water, it is always recommended to have at least one backup power source. With many gas-powered boats, this means an extra gas tank and/or another battery-powered motor. But what if one or both of these systems fail? This is where marine solar panels can be a life saver. They provide watercraft with a power source that is free and unlimited; the sun.
With marine solar panels, the only cost is the purchase and install of the equipment. After that, they provide a continual and ongoing supplement to the other onboard power sources. They allow you to save fuel costs by powering many of the systems on the boat such as the lights, pumps, fans and appliances. They can also keep your batteries topped off and fully charged even while the boat is docked and sitting in the sun. This assures that you’re always prepared for your next journey.
The potential benefits of enhanced safety and cost savings provided by marine solar panels cannot be understated. If all other systems fail while you’re out on the water, the solar power may be the one thing that helps you get back home safely. The energy generated costs you nothing, saving you significantly on the rising cost of fuel. These panels pay for themselves in a relatively short period of time, making them a wise addition to any type of watercraft.
About the Author:
Mike Maloney is a writer and consultant at Just4Boats.com, an online boating and marine supply ecommerce site. Just4Boats.com is your one stop shop for all things boating, including marine solar panels and a complete line of solar boating products.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 22:59
How Boat GPS Systems Work
If you’re trying to find out how a boat GPS system works, and if all GPS systems can be considered the same, you’ll want to keep reading this article because you’ll find some very valuable information. Understanding exactly how a GPS system works is probably the most important thing when it comes to selecting the proper GPS system for your boat, or any other mode of transport for that matter.
GPS devices get their information from satellites that are controlled by the United States Air Force. There are approximately 24 satellites in orbit around the Earth and will typically be in the same area at least twice a day. These satellites are constantly accumulating and transmitting data to GPS enabled devices on a daily basis. Each of the 24 satellites are equipped with an atomic clock. Each and every time one of these satellites transmits data it also reveals the time as well as the satellites location.
The speed in which the signal is received to any one GPS enabled device can be compared to the speed of light. Boat GPS devices are unlike any other GPS device, because they require 4 different types of transmissions. What many aren’t aware of is that in order for a device to work properly, it’s very important that it has an unobstructed view of the sky. Many GPS units today will store information until the next time it can receive information that is made available without any interference.
This means you may be driving along in the heart of the city, in an area with deep canyons, a forest, or through tunnels, and this will prevent your GPS unit from updating itself until the next time it has a clear unobstructed view. Unlike an automobile, a boat GPS works a little different because instead of all the obstructions you are traveling by the sea. Because the sea is so wide-open you will receive an unlimited number of efficient readings to your GPS unit allowing it to update quite frequently.
 Garmin GPSMAP 60CSX Handheld GPS Navigator When traveling on the ocean or a large body of water your GPS device is updating information such as longitude, latitude, current, and wind. All of this information is needed for a boat GPS unit, such as the portable Garmin 60CSX Navigator, to be effective while traveling by sea. This type of information is extremely vital and cannot be compared in any way to simply using a map or a compass. The other important fact about a boat GPS is the fact that many of them are equipped with locating devices which will allow you to be found if for some reason you’ve steered off course.
The newest GPS systems made for boats are extremely accurate and up to the minute. They are specifically designed for large bodies of water or sea conditions. With these units you can find such locations as fishing grounds, marina entrances, or locations that have been stored in your GPS unit for further investigation. There are even a couple of GPS units available, made by Garmin, which can also track ship wreckage, shallow water, and even large rocks. If you’ve been searching for a good quality GPS device, find something that offers everything you need, all in one device.
About the Author
Jane Warren is a boater and water sport enthusiast. Because of her involvement in boating and water activities, Jane publishes a website with reviews of water towable tubes, such as the popular O’Brien Delta Double towable tube, and other high quality boating and water sports equipment. The site also provides instructional videos on different aspects of boating, such as how to use boating navigational aids.
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