Before you decide to head out to a lake, stream, river or on the ocean, having the right safety gear on your boat is essential. Thousands of people die or are injured every year because they are not using the right equipment. You can avoid joining these statistics by taking the time to make sure that your boat is properly stocked and that you know how to use the various safety gear that you need to bring with you. Remember, fishing and boating is fun, but there is an element of danger lurking there.

1. Personal Flotation Devices or Life Jackets.

No matter how old or young you are - the bottom line is that you need to wear a life jacket if you will be in a boat. It doesn't matter if the lake is calm, or the river looks serene. There are undertows that cannot be detected on the water's surface and you never know what accident may occur. Wearing a life jacket will save your life - but it needs to be fitted properly. Take the time to get everyone in your family their own life jacket and then keep them in a safe place. Every single time you go out on the water, everyone needs to have their life jacket on and properly secured.

2. First Aid Kit.

Whether it's running a hook through your finger, or simply slicing your hand open on a filet knife, it is all too easy to get injured while you're fishing. Make sure that you have a first aid kit in your boat and check it each time before you head out to the water. If there are some items missing, they will need to be replenished before you leave.

3. GPS System/Cellphones.

Thanks to today's technology it is harder than ever to get lost, but it does happen. Having your own personal GPS system is the ideal answer no matter where you will be fishing. Take the time to load the data for the area where you will fishing ahead of time and make sure that you go through the maps before you go. Having a cellphone with you is also a great idea, but you may want to keep it in a plastic zipper bag, or in a holder so that it won't get wet while you're in the boat.

4. Flares/Night Fishing Gear.

Fishing at night is a lot of fun, but it can also be very dangerous if you don't have the right gear with you. Make sure that your boat has at least a few flares, reflectors, and flashlights befor heading out on a night excursion. These items could save your life.

Fishing and boating is a great pastime, but like many things in our lives, it can be dangerous if you are not prepared. Take the time to stock up on these necessary items, and keep them in good working order when you're not on the water. By taking the time to prepare now, you can avoid a serious disaster later.

Photo Credit: 1

Originally posted 2008-12-01 05:13:31. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Boat Safety, Boating, Tips and Tricks

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