Summerset Boat Lifts: National Safe Boating Campaign

Monday, May 18, 2020

It's National Safe Boating Week!

National Safe Boating Week is May 16-22, 2020. Just in time for a big holiday weekend that kicks off the summer, we're going to cover some important boating safety tips. Our boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks knows how important boating is to many families. New memories with friends and family members are made year after year on the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. Here at Summerset Boat Lifts, we want to help keep safety top of mind as we enter into the first holiday weekend of summer. Check out some top safety tips you should keep in mind as you prepare to hit the water this weekend!

What is National Safe Boating Week?

Many boating accidents can be prevented with awareness. The National Boating Safety Council has partnered with the National Weather Service to form National Safe Boating Week. This week was created to help drive awareness of safe boating practices. There are a number of resources available at www.safeboatingcampaign.com/resources/.

Top Boating Safety Tips:

Always Wear a Life Jacket
A life jacket can save a life. Many people think they don't need a life jacket because they are a good swimmer. Being a good swimmer doesn't help if you are involved in a boating accident. You may be disoriented or even worse, unconscious.

Be Aware of Surroundings
Just like on the highway, the traffic on the water can change in an instant. When driving a boat, you must be aware of all other boaters on the water, and other objects along the water. This can help you more safely navigate your way through boat traffic and in and out of busy boating areas. If you aren't comfortable in type of areas, consider staying to a less crowded part of the water.

Designate a Sober Captain
If you plan on drinking out on the water, make sure you have a designated captain to safely operate your vessel. Just like getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, driving a boat is a big responsibility and having your complete attention is vital for a safe boating experience.

Now that you have a reminder of safe boating practices, you're ready to hit the water this weekend with confidence. Be a vigilant boater and try to make safe boating decisions anytime you are near the water on a boat or PWC. It's also important to be a responsible boat or PWC owner. Keeping your investments up out of the water can protect them and increase their longevity. The best boat lifts at the Lake of the Ozarks can help you best protect your vessels! Give Summerset Boat Lifts a call today to see which boat lift at the Lake of the Ozarks is best for your unique needs.

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO 65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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Thursday, May 17, 2018

National Safe Boating Week is May 19-25

Sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council, National Safe Boating Week promotes boating and life jacket safety to boaters everywhere. The council believes that wearing a life jacket is the simplest way to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones while enjoying a day on the water. National Safe Boating Week, May 19-25, helps kick off the season long campaign to promote safety while boating. Learn more about the national safe boating campaign "Wear It" below.

The National Safe Boating Campaign

The National Safe Boating Campaign is a worldwide effort focused on responsible boating, encouraging boaters to always wear a life jacket while on the water. While it's tempting to not wear a life jacket while on the water, accidents happen in an instant. Boating safety advocates recommend that all boaters and passengers not only have a life jacket, but wear it at all times while boating. Make it a habit and always wear a life jacket.

Life Jacket Fit and Care

Life jackets are available for every boating activity! Modern life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. Find out which style is best for your boating activity with this quiz: http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/quiz/.

Make Sure It Fits

Not only is it important to wear a life jacket when boating, but you want to make sure it fits properly. You don't want your life jacket too large or too small; it should fit snug. Life jackets for adults do not work children. A few things to remember about life jackets:

Make sure it is properly fastened and that all straps, buckles or zippers are secure.
Hold your arms straight up over your head. Then ask a friend to grasp the tops of the arm openings and gently pull up. Ensure that it is not coming off!

Life Jacket Care

Caring for your life jacket is also important. Follow these tips below:

Use your life jacket properly.
Ensure there's no rips, waterlogging or mildew on your life jacket.
Be sure to thoroughly dry your life jacket after use.
Hand wash your life jacket in mild detergent.
Store your life jacket in a dry place when you're not boating.

Refer to your life jacket's owner's manual for specific maintenance requirements.

Recreational Boating Statistics

The figures below are from the U.S. Coast Guard's 2016 Recreational Boating Statistics. This is the latest record of reported boating accidents in the U.S.

80% of boating deaths are due to drowning
83% of victims were NOT wearing a life jacket
2/3 of drowning victims are good swimmers
4,463 reported accidents in 2016 (a 7.3% increase from 2015)
701 reported deaths in 2016 (a 12% increase from 2015)
2,903 reported injuries in 2016 (an 11.1% increase from 2015)
$49 million dollars in approximate damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents
77% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had no boating safety instruction
15% of deaths where the primary cause was known as alcohol as the leading factor
1 in 3 of all boating injuries occurred in boat operators over the age of 35

Wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is the simplest life-saving strategy for recreational boaters.

Summerset Boat Lifts hopes you have a safe and fun boating season! We are here to help ensure your boat lift is in proper working condition, keeping you and your boat safe. For all your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift service needs, give us a call at 573-348-5073. Our remote control systems for our lifts are another way to ensure safety for your and your family while boating. Plus, you can pick up life jackets and other boating accessories at our Camdenton location!