10 Ways to Participate in Ready Set Wear It 2019 for Safer Boating

What is Ready Set Wear It 2019? Ready Set Wear It is a family-friendly event that helps to educate boaters about the importance of wearing a life jacket.

Whether you're just learning how to boat or have been a boater for years, it might be tempting to not wear a life jacket while on the water - maybe you think you're a strong swimmer or that it simply doesn’t look cool. However, regardless of the type of boating activity, there’s never an excuse to not wear one.

Check out 10 easy ways you can be a safer boater and set a positive example of boating safety while taking part in Ready Set Wear It 2019.
 

1. Take a safe boating course. Learn valuable tips that can help save your life in unexpected situations by taking a NASBLA (National Association of Boating Law Administrators) approved boating safety course. Many courses are online, and can save you money on boat insurance.
2. Be sure everyone wears a U.S. Coast Guard approved, properly fitting life jacket (personal flotation device or PFD) while boating. More specifically, make sure that your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved for the specific type of activity you plan to take part in on the water.
3. Schedule a vessel safety check with your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons during an upcoming Ready Set Wear It event. Every vessel safety check is conducted 100 percent free of charge.
4. Know the state boating laws. Rules and laws can differ from state to state and violations can result in ticketing, fines or jail time.
5. File a float plan with someone you trust that includes details about the trip, your boat registration information, persons, towing or trailer vehicle, communication equipment, and emergency contacts.
6. Check the latest weather forecast before you leave the dock. You can visit weather.gov for the latest updates in your area, and use a marine radio to stay informed of any weather changes while on board.
7. Know and follow your boat capacity limit. If you have too much on your boat, the boat may become unstable and capsize.
8. Always maintain a proper lookout and be aware of other boaters and the environment while boating.
9. Partner with local outdoor clubs to host a life jacket and water safety presentation.
10. Help spread the word about the dangers of boating under the influence. Protect your life and others – never BUI. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Where the primary cause was known, alcohol was listed as the leading factor in 19 percent of deaths.

Now that you have a list of specific ways that you can be a safer boater, during Ready Set Wear It 2019 and always, its time to take to the water and lead by example.

Debbie Hanson

Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.