Living in the South Florida, boating is a way of life. From kayaks to motorboats to lazy pontoons, we love being out on the water. And while bright sunny days inspire thousands of people to go sailing, there is a special allure to night boating.
The stillness, the solitude, and the sheer beauty of the night sky make for an unforgettable boating experience.
But if you are looking to set sail overnight, it is important to keep in mind some extra safety measures. As always when going out on a boat, you need to plan and make sure you have the right tools and the right knowledge.
Night Boating Safety Tips
-
- Make sure that someone knows your plan. Tell them what time you are going out onto the water, where you will be departing from and returning to, and approximately how long you will be out on the water. This “float plan” is necessary so that there is a frame of reference as to where to look should you need assistance.
- Check and recheck the weather. Everyone knows that storms can come up quickly in this area, so just in case you do get caught, bring a spare sweatshirt, coat or towels and keep them dry. Just in case.
- Evaluate all of your equipment before heading out. An inspection should ensure that all of your lights work, your horn is functional, you have plenty of fuel and your radio is working. You want to have a flashlight, flares, fire extinguishers and life jackets for all passengers.
- Never venture out at night if you do not know the area. Plan your night boating in areas you know well. Everything looks different at night, even in a familiar setting – so navigating a completely unfamiliar landscape is unnecessarily reckless.
- Follow the right-of-way rules. You may think that you are the only one out there at night, but actually many people venture out onto night waters. Pay attention and keep an eye out for other boaters, just like during the day. Be sure that you are familiar with navigation lights, so that you can see another boat and understand which way they are traveling. Don’t forget that anchored boats, canoes and kayaks may not be moving at all.
- Do not drink or get drunk if you are driving the boat. This should go without saying, but your safety on the water depends on your being alert and vigilant at all times.
- Make sure that there is an experienced boater onboard. Novice boaters should never head out alone in the dark. Unless you consider yourself an expert boater, have done a thorough inspection, and have let someone know exactly where you are, do not attempt night boating. Bring an experienced boater with you. Even if you are a seasoned boater, having a friend along is always a good idea should you find yourself injured, in distress or lost.
- Services which offer towing, fuel assistance and more are worth every penny. Much like a roadside assistance plan, these services will guarantee that help is available should you need it. They may also provide an additional level of safety by recording your float plan for you.
<img class=”aligncenter size-full wp-image-5012″ src=”https://andersoninsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/night-923007_1920.jpg” alt=”boat insurance parrish” width=”1920″ height=”1276″ />
We love living on the water. From the Gulf of Mexico to Sarasota Bay, our waters are beautiful and offer the perfect opportunity for recreation. If you are a boat owner, novice or experienced, taking a few extra precautions before going out on the water may be the key to keeping you safe.
If you have questions about insurance for boats, cars, your home and more, give the local experts at Anderson & Associates Insurance Group a call. We make sure you are covered for all of life’s adventures.
