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Whether you’re a first-time boat owner or a lifelong captain, safety on the water should always be a top priority. In Florida, where boating conditions can change in an instant, it’s not just about having fun, but also being prepared for the unexpected. To help you stay safe and confident while out on the water, we’ve put together five essential boating safety tips every boater should follow.

1. Build a Small but Effective Safety Kit

Every vessel should carry a basic safety kit. At minimum, yours should include:

• A first aid kit
  
• Basic tools for quick fixes
  
• A few feet of thin metal wire (perfect for clearing the “tell-tale” where the water comes out an outboard motor, sand or debris can get lodged in there)
  
• A spare prop pin (often overlooked but can save your entire trip)
  
• Ponchos
  
• Small snacks & fresh water.

A well-prepared kit can make all the difference when small problems arise, and prevent them from becoming major ones.

2. Know the Navigation Rules

Understanding and following the “rules of the road” on the water is critical. Pay special attention to:

• Idle-speed zones
  
• No-wake zones
  
• Red/Green Channel Markers
  
• General boating etiquette (passing boats in canals, anchoring, swimming, etc)

Knowing these rules not only helps you avoid fines but also prevents accidents and ensures a smoother experience for everyone on the water.

3. Prepare for Emergencies

Emergencies can happen when you least expect them. That’s why it’s important to make sure everyone onboard knows the basics, such as:

• How to call for help if the captain becomes incapacitated (phone, radio, etc)
  
• The name of the body of water you’re on (what lake, area of saltwater, river, etc)
  
• The nearest marina, boat ramp, or visible landmark (to tell emergency services)
  
• A clear description of your boat
  
• (ex: “We’re on Lake Dora Canal near the sandbar in a blue T-top boat with Mercury motors”)

These details can dramatically improve response times in an emergency situation.

4. Watch the Weather Closely

Florida boaters know weather changes fast. While everyone has their own comfort level for “boating weather,” it’s critical to know the following::

• Check multiple weather outlets before launching the day before and day of.
  
• Stay aware of changing skies, winds, and radar updates while on the water
  
• Always have a safe plan and enough time to return to shore and load your boat.

Being weather-smart keeps your boating trip enjoyable and safe.

5. Take a Boater Safety Course (Even If You Don’t Have To)

If you were born before January 1, 1988, you aren’t legally required to have a boater safety card in Florida. But if you’re new to boating, taking a boater safety course is highly recommended for new owners.

You could even consider hiring a local captain or boating service to:

• Teach you how to handle your specific boat
  
• Practice launching, loading, and docking
  
• Gain real-world confidence on the water

Education builds confidence and confidence builds safety.

Bonus Tip:Never ever EVERRR… bring bananas on the boat.