May is water safety month!
Here are some tips to keep the kids 'water' safe. Sometimes it is us adults that need a refresher on the water safety tips as we moving into summer. Equip your doors and windows that exit to a pool area or dock with alarms. When on or around a pond, lake or boating always be prepared for the unexpected. Have you taken or need to update your water safety course?
Make sure everyone has a life jacket, get swimming lessons, and protect yourself from the sun and insects. Have a designated driver/captain! Does your dock have electricity? If so, have an electrician test for electrical current in the water!
How many of you hang out at the boat ramp on Memorial day? I guess it says something about my sense of humor but it can be very entertaining; How to back a trailer (instruction from the father) the one who can't remember to turn opposite of where he wants the trailer to go. Forgot to install the boat plug (I've seen a few sink). Haven't started the motor since last September and expect it to run perfect at the ramp stall. Forgot to put the vehicle in park or back it too far in? Forgot to tie down the boat when exiting the water. Forgot to raise the lower unit/motor. Learning how to dock that new boat? That's really not what the 'rub' rails are for, get some bumpers!! And re-gel coating is expensive.
One of my personal favorites - I was new to sailing and while maneuvering my boat to dock (without engine power) I thought I had estimated the wind angle to turn into wind and go into 'irons' for a perfect glide to a stop. Well about the time I got to the end of dock a gust of wind took my main sail/boom out over the dock, about two feet above the decking, forcing everyone on the dock to dive into the water or be knocked in! Wow was I embarrassed.
It is also a good time to review your boat insurance policy to be sure it still covers your needs. Give me a call at 816-702-8300 for a review before you get on the water.
