Visitors and residents alike come to California’s coastal towns to rest, relax, recharge, and enjoy the ocean, beaches, and all the fun activities the West Coast has to offer year-round. You came to enjoy all the fun that boating has to offer, including skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, swimming, and more. 

Make sure everyone stays safe throughout your boating adventures. These are just a few tips to keep in mind to keep everyone safe, happy, and having fun on the water. 

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) 

Not only is it smart to have a life vest for each passenger, but it’s also required by law. All of our boats come with the number of life vests based on the occupancy limitations of the boat. They are all USCG-approved vests. If you have special needs, like baby, toddler, or young child vests, contact us before your rental period and we’ll make sure to have them available. If you’re bringing your own life vests, they must be USCG-approved to legally and safely operate our boats. 

Boating Safety Classes 

The first and best way to learn about boating safety rules is to take a class. The State of California requires boaters of a certain age to be certified and licensed to operate a vessel. The staff at Carefree Boat Club can help each potential operator obtain the proper certification before setting sail. These classes will also provide more in-depth knowledge outside some basic advice. 

Stay on the Lookout 

Whomever the captain may be, that person needs to keep their eyes on the water ahead and around them. They need to stay vigilant when it comes to spotting swimmers, people taking part in activities like water skiing or wakeboarding, sail boating, and people on jet skis and other personal watercraft. Give those people a wide berth, as they may not be able to react as quickly as the captain of a powerboat. You’ll also need to keep an eye out for anchored vessels displaying their anchor ball. This lets you know they’re at anchor and won’t have the opportunity to move quickly. 

People enjoying activities like tubing, skiing, wakeboarding, and the like may fall. They may get tired, or lose their grip, or hit a wave and be unable to return to balance. Watch for these downed people, and if you end up being one yourself, make sure to raise your hand or wave to make sure other boaters can see you in the water. Boaters taking part in such activities should always keep a “spotter” on board that can concentrate on the person being pulled and alert the captain.   

Learn to Swim 

As with any activity, there are risks with boating. If you have non-swimmers or beginning swimmers, these people absolutely need to wear PFDs whenever in the water or on board the vessel. The second step is to get some swimming lessons. 

Learning things like basic flotation, treading water, keeping your head above water so as not to swallow water, and the “doggie paddle” can help even expert swimmers stay afloat and safe when something happens in the water. 

Stay Healthy & Safe 

If you’re sick, enjoyed a little too much alcohol with lunch, or haven’t eaten in a while, steer clear of your vessel. All of these conditions can impair your reaction and judgment, leading to accidents that could have been easily avoided. You can take food and drinks aboard your vessel (but no glass), to keep energy up and headaches or stomach aches from lack of food or drink at bay. If alcohol is involved, either wait to drink until you call it a day or entrust the captain’s position to someone who did not have any alcohol. 

Another way to keep healthy and safe is one that’s not always thought of. Make sure your supplies for the day include enough sunscreen for everyone on board, shirts with UV protection, and long-sleeved shirts to prevent sunburn. Encourage everyone to wear hats that can stay secure while the boat is in motion, and sunglasses for eye protection. The glare of the sun off the water can be blinding, and the split second the captain looks away could be the moment disaster strikes. 

Stay Safe & Have Fun Boating with Carefree Boat Club 

Have your boating bases covered – along with some others you might not have thought of – with a membership to the Carefree Boat Club. There are locations all across the U.S. so your boating adventures can last all year long. We have the boat you need when you need it. Avoid the hit-and-miss availability of small rental companies, as well as the hassles like storage, maintenance, trailering, covering, cleaning, or extra fees like insurance and mooring that come with owning and transporting your own boat. Reserve a boat and it will be ready for your use each time you show up at our marina during your reservation period. 

Come take a free tour and ask about our boating safety classes included in your membership. 

Contact us today!