This is a fishing tips article on fishing boat safety and may be a little basic for your more advanced anglers but they may learn something as well.
Fishing is a great, wholesome
activity for the whole family. And what better way to enjoy than from
the deck of a boat? Unfortunately, boating does involve a few
potential hazards. In the U.S., there are over 5000 boating accidents
annually, with more than 800 being fatal. It may not sound like much
when you compare these figure to the ones for traffic accidents, but
if one of these statistics is you, or one of your loved ones, then
the numbers quickly become much more significant. And the really bad
thing is that the vast majority of boating accidents are easily
preventable. Granted, fishing is at the bottom of the list of
activities that cause boating accidents, but you can reduce them to
nearly zero simply by following a few basic fishing boat safety tips,
and following all the boating laws in you locations.
- This may sound a bit obvious, but I can't stress this enough. Never drink while operating a boat, or for at least 6 hours beforehand. Operating, and navigating a boat is a very technical procedure that demands your full attention, and humans are not naturally aquatic creatures. The water can be a hostile environment. You need to keep your wits about you at all times when on the water. Add to that the fact that in most places, it is very illegal, with very harsh penalties.
- Wear a PFD whenever you are on the water, even when the boat is not moving. This is the major cause of boating fatalities. In 2008, of the 800 boating accident fatalities, 510 of them were from drowning, and 459 were not wearing PFDs (Personal Floatation Device, or Life Vest).
- Watch your tackle. Always look behind you before casting. Many an angler has gotten an 'Eagle Claw Earring', and even more serious injuries from a comrades lures on the back-cast. Bass lures, in particular, have a wicked assortment of large, sharp, strong hooks on them, and barbed hooks usually require a visit to the Emergency Room to remove them, if they are imbedded very deeply. Also, never leave lures, hooks, and other terminal tackle out in the open, on seats, or the deck, where someone can step, sit, or fall on them. Always put your tackle where it belongs...in the tackle-box.
- Always wear some kind of shoes in a boat. They protect your feet from hooks, and provide extra traction if the boat yaws, or lurches suddenly. If you go overboard and have to swim to shore, never discard your shoes. Tie them together by the laces, or stuff them in a pocket if you need to take them off to swim. You will need them when you reach shore. Even a small injury to your foot can seriously incapacitate you.
Catching fish from a boat is a very
enjoyable activity, and can be very safe as long as you keep in mind
a few fishing boat safety tips.
Happy fishing.
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Fishing Boat Safety Tips
