Boat Safety Tip

This tip is good for boaters with guests that do not swim and affraid of the water.To me it is good for anyone who can't swim to do this.

Get a life vest out, have them put it on, and get into the water (preferably in shallow water). This will let them find out how the vest responds to them while in the water. Many times I have witnessed non-swimmers going into panic mode when having to get into the water. It is not pleasant and even dangerous to those around them. Might also be good for them to try different types of vest also since some behave differently than others.

My wife doesn't swim, but she loves the boat. It took me a couple of years and coaching to get her to do this. After she finally did, she was glad because she said she would have freaked out not knowing what and how it worked.

I would recommend this to be applied to young children as well that doesn't know how to swim.

This tip is one of those topics that doesn't get discussed much and it should be. If it can save a life, then it is worth the effort. Have fun and stay safe............SS

Re: Boat Safety Tip

totally agree. my mother did not swim. loved the boat, but never got into it, without a ski belt. that tells you how long ago this was. she loved the water, just could not swim. she learned to ski, and had a great time. but never without a ski belt.

Re: Boat Safety Tip

I also agree.
Whenever I have a new guest onboard, I ask if they know how to swim as part of my drill to get them familiar with where things are, rules, etc.