A life vest is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment you can buy for your boat.  The U.S. Coast Guard requires all boats to carry a life vest for each passenger.  Instead of just carrying the vests, we recommend that each passenger as well as the pilot of the boat wear a life vest at all times.

Another important piece of safety equipment is a kill switch lanyard, which is worn by the operator of the boat.  If the operator falls overboard or loses his or her balance, the boat’s engine will automatically shut off.

See the graphic evidence of the power of speed and waves in this Video of a serious boating accident:

Summer is the time when more people take to the water in boats, and its also the time when more boating accidents occur.  Popular Mechanics Magazine recent published some safety reminders, courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard.  Here are some boast safety tips:

The boating season is coming up in many parts of the world, so it’s time for all boaters to review boat safety basics. Boating can go from pleasure to disaster without proper planning and common sense. Before taking your boat out for the first time this season, give it a thorough check. Make sure your engine and fuel lines are in good order and verify that all safety equipment is in good working order. Probably the most important item of safety equipment is the Personal Flotation Device (PFD), also known as a Life Jacket. Everyone on your boat should wear a PFD, especially children. Don’t think that you’ll be able to jump overboard and help a child who falls out of your boat – the odds are that you won’t. As a boat owner, you need to take responsibility for the safety of all your passengers.

The U.S. Coast Guard has a great website with information about all types of boat safety. Visit it for a refresher course in safety basics before the boating season starts.