Fall Boating Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
As most avid boaters know and appreciate, the fall season is wonderful because it means cooler weather, better fishing opportunities, and beautiful fall foliage scenery to enjoy. However, the change of season also means more responsibility and taking precautions in your boating routine. Here are some fall boating safety tips from Firstmate Controls to keep in mind when you go boating in the fall season:
Plan Ahead for Potential Mishaps
Pack a small dry bag with your cell phone if there’s reception in the area, some warm clothes, first aid kit, emergency shelter like a light weight tarp or a small pup tent, and some high-energy snacks. Keep these items in your life jacket: Vehicle keys, whistle, knife, lighter or waterproof matches, fire starters, and an energy bar.
Keep Your Motor Running
This time of year you need proper nutrition and hydration to keep your body fueled and warm. Make sure to pack enough snacks and beverages for the entire day for everyone on the boat with you. It may not be a bad idea to have an extra reserve of food and drinks on the boat in case of an accident or if you get stranded overnight.
Check the Weather Before Heading Out
In the fall, weather can change quickly. It may be 80+ degrees when you head out on the water, but by the time you start to head back in for the evening, the temperatures could have dropped into the low 60s. Check the forecast before you go. Make sure to pack some extra clothes for warmth.
Consider the Time Change
Daylight hours are shrinking; take that into account when planning your trip. Plan to be off the water before dark. Bring a headlamp, with extra batteries, in case you get caught out when the sun goes down. Low light, mist and fog can make you harder to see this time of year. Wear bright colors, such as orange, lime green, or yellow. A strobe, bright safety light or chemical lights can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re boating in an area with power boat traffic.
Always Wear Your Life Jacket
Wearing your lifejacket is a smart habit to get into any time of the year, but it's especially important to wear it when you're likely to get dumped in cold water. You don't know how your body will react to the late season temperatures of the water. It is important to keep your head out of the water. A large percentage of your body heat is lost through your head, so it is critical to keep dry. Cold temperatures significantly decrease your physical ability. Swimming will be more difficult and you will not be able to swim as far, so that's why wearing a life jacket in the fall is so important.
Now that you've got these boating safety tips in mind, you'll be ready to get out on the water this fall and enjoy all that the cooler weather has to offer to boaters! Make your fall boating experience a breeze by getting a Firstmate boat lift remote control system installed on your lift. Not only will our marine electronic equipment make docking and launching easier, but it'll also help to prevent some of those tedious and expensive maintenance problems you deal with every year by keeping your boat, dock, and lift safe!
Firstmate Controls
Plan Ahead for Potential Mishaps
Pack a small dry bag with your cell phone if there’s reception in the area, some warm clothes, first aid kit, emergency shelter like a light weight tarp or a small pup tent, and some high-energy snacks. Keep these items in your life jacket: Vehicle keys, whistle, knife, lighter or waterproof matches, fire starters, and an energy bar.
Keep Your Motor Running
This time of year you need proper nutrition and hydration to keep your body fueled and warm. Make sure to pack enough snacks and beverages for the entire day for everyone on the boat with you. It may not be a bad idea to have an extra reserve of food and drinks on the boat in case of an accident or if you get stranded overnight.
Check the Weather Before Heading Out
In the fall, weather can change quickly. It may be 80+ degrees when you head out on the water, but by the time you start to head back in for the evening, the temperatures could have dropped into the low 60s. Check the forecast before you go. Make sure to pack some extra clothes for warmth.
Consider the Time Change
Daylight hours are shrinking; take that into account when planning your trip. Plan to be off the water before dark. Bring a headlamp, with extra batteries, in case you get caught out when the sun goes down. Low light, mist and fog can make you harder to see this time of year. Wear bright colors, such as orange, lime green, or yellow. A strobe, bright safety light or chemical lights can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re boating in an area with power boat traffic.
Always Wear Your Life Jacket
Wearing your lifejacket is a smart habit to get into any time of the year, but it's especially important to wear it when you're likely to get dumped in cold water. You don't know how your body will react to the late season temperatures of the water. It is important to keep your head out of the water. A large percentage of your body heat is lost through your head, so it is critical to keep dry. Cold temperatures significantly decrease your physical ability. Swimming will be more difficult and you will not be able to swim as far, so that's why wearing a life jacket in the fall is so important.Now that you've got these boating safety tips in mind, you'll be ready to get out on the water this fall and enjoy all that the cooler weather has to offer to boaters! Make your fall boating experience a breeze by getting a Firstmate boat lift remote control system installed on your lift. Not only will our marine electronic equipment make docking and launching easier, but it'll also help to prevent some of those tedious and expensive maintenance problems you deal with every year by keeping your boat, dock, and lift safe!
Contact Firstmate Controls TODAY to get your boat lift remote control system ordered.
Boat Lift Controls You Can Count On!
Firstmate Controls
130 Century Commerce Loop
Labadie, MO 63055
Phone: (866) 570-9707
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