TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE ON THE WATER THIS FOURTH OF JULY
Summer is officially upon us and with the festivities of the Fourth of July only a week away, the 2019 boating season is now in full swing. There is nothing more American than spending the Fourth of July holiday with those we love on the water. With a holiday of fun in the sun approaching, it is always a good idea to keep in mind some important safety tips to ensure Independence Day 2019 is enjoyed by all.
First, arrive early and check your boat. Independence Day Weekend is one of the busiest times of the year for boating out on the lakes in Tennessee and on the ocean close to our Florida office. Plan on getting to the boat early. This will help you avoid the rush and urge to speed to get out to your favorite spot on the water. Additionally, many people put their boats in the water without first checking belts, fluids and motors, and end up having to be towed in. Make sure your boat is in good working order before heading out on the water. When traveling out to your favorite spot on the water, be aware of others around you and take extra precautions to prevent accidents and injury.
Second, for those who are going to be enjoying some adult beverages while on the water, make sure to designate a captain. At the beginning of the day, assign someone in the group to be the designated boater (“captain”). The captain makes sure all members of the party are safe and are where they are supposed to be throughout the day. Please remember to drink responsibly. Just like on the highway, drinking and operating a boat is against the law. Everyone on the water wants to make it home safely and drunk boating can lead to serious consequences.
Third, hydrate and wear sunscreen! Although the water is a place for people to kick back and relax, it is an important time to keep hydrated. Also, protecting your skin with sunscreen (reapply frequently) and protective attire—including hats and sunglasses—to prevent those terrible sunburns we all hate so much.
Finally, keep an eye on your tubers! Establish a spotter who will keep an eye on the tubers and can report issues back to your designated captain. Your spotter should discuss hand signals with the tubers and come up with a way to tell the driver if they need to slow down, speed up, or simply be more careful. Pay special attention to where your tow line is at. It needs to be far away from the propeller to keep both your riders and your boat safe. If you are driving the boat, make sure to pay attention to not only your speed and your spotter, but watch the water for signs of danger. Buoys, rocks, trees, and other boaters can turn a fun tubing trip into a hospital run. Make sure you are following all local laws as well.
Here at KHA Law Group, we wish you and your family a very fun, relaxing, and safe Independence Day! As always, you can contact us at (615) 567-7300 and you can email Michael directly at michael@khalawgroup.com.
