One way to virtually guarantee a need for boat repair in Hesperia, CA is to operate your vessel carelessly. Boat accidents are frequently more serious due to the fact that you are on water, and many of the same laws, like DUI and reckless boating, apply on the ocean, river or lake as much as on the road. Here are six tips to help you be careful as we finally approach boating season:
- Do not drink and boat: A cold beer and a boating adventure seem to go hand in hand, but drinking and boating is also a crime, just as if you drank that beer while driving your car. Studies also show alcohol affects you quicker on the water, so the risk is not worth it. The odds of damage to your boat and of injuries or fatalities increase with drinking, so this practice is not worth the risk, especially when you consider criminal charges as well. Save your beer for when you are parked on the beach.
- Watch your speed: Performance boats are made to go fast, but that does not cancel out common sense. If you are inexperienced or boating in heavy traffic, you need more room for evasive action, should it be required. Stay within reasonable speeds based on conditions and you will avoid most crashes. Many accidents occur because operators cannot maneuver away from another vessel quickly enough due to speed.
- Pay attention to the weather: Weather can make a boating day go bad very quickly. You will want to check weather on the morning of your plans since it can change with little notice. Never boat in weather beyond your skills, and if there is a storm or other rough conditions predicted, consider rescheduling your trip. Bad weather makes for a stressful day rather than an enjoyable one, so it is best to avoid the worst days and stay safe.
- Take a boating safety course: If you are new to boating, you definitely need a safety course so you will be prepared for emergency situations and understand boating rules. You can keep yourself and your passengers safe, as well as other operators who share your water space. Experienced boaters can also benefit from refreshing their knowledge with a course every once in a while or taking classes in more advanced boating skills. The lesson here is to never stop learning since you never know when new knowledge could prevent an accident.
- Listen to the emergency radio: A sudden weather system or other condition may affect the safety of your boating day. Keep the radio on and stay informed rather than risking a bad situation that can threaten your vessel and passengers. If there is a warning, head back to the dock as soon as possible.
- Keep life jackets on board: Life jackets are a better-safe-than-sorry measure. If you do not like the large bulky styles, invest in auto-inflatable life jackets that only inflate when you hit the water. You will barely notice wearing them if they are not needed, but you will be happy to have them there if something occurs.
For expert boat repair in Hesperia, CA, contact Rezurxn Speed and Marine today.