Boating Safety Tips with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
With boating season approaching, it is time to get back on the water. Whether you are a seasoned boater or a weekend cruiser, Gulf Coast Suzuki believes safety is the most important tool. Keep reading to learn about important safety tips from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to ensure a smooth and safe boating season.
Safety Tip 1 ALEA
One of the most important safety tips is to ensure each passenger on the boat has a personal flotation device (PFD). “PFDs are the single most effective way to save lives on the water. While it may not be legally required for each person to always wear one, it is mandatory to have a PFD available for every passenger on board. However, a common and dangerous mistake is keeping them stored away and out of reach. We strongly recommend that whenever the motor is running, every passenger should be wearing their PFD—if you don’t wear it, it can’t help you,” said Jessie Peacock, Corporal of the ALEA Marine Patrol Division.
Safety Tip 2 ALEA
Another crucial safety tip on the water is to avoid drinking while driving. Alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. These increase the likelihood of accidents for both passengers and boat operators. “Most of the accidents we witness are due to a drunk driver handling the boat. One-third of the amount of alcohol that it takes to make a person legally intoxicated on land can make a boater equally intoxicated on the water. We recommend that everyone have a designated driver to avoid these incidents,” said Peacock.
Safety Tip 3 ALEA
Lastly, first aid kits on board are important for any injuries or emergencies that may occur. These kits should include bandages, gauze, tape, alcohol wipes, anti-nausea medicine, gloves, tweezers and cold compresses. Also, if anyone on board has diabetes, it is a good idea to include glucose tablets or tubes of icing to assist with low blood sugar.