With the forecast calling for sunny skies and mild temperatures here in Pennsylvania, you can bet many holiday folks will be taking to the outdoors and enjoying the Memorial Day Weekend. May 21st marked the beginning of Safe Boating Week. We want you and your family to be safe on the water, which is why we are observing Safe Boating Week.

The more you learn about your boat and boating, the more fun you will have. If you have not owned a boat before, we highly recommend that you take an education course to learn safe boating practices. The following checklists may help before you venture out on the waters:

• Is all safety equipment aboard and accessible?
• Are you sure you have one Coast Guard approved personal flotation device for each person on board?
• Are all supplies and equipment securely stowed?
• Do tanks have enough fuel for the trip with plenty to spare?
• In outboards, are the portable fuel tanks and batteries secured and connected?
• Are there paddles or oars on board?

If you have children traveling with you, SafeKids.org recommends the following:

• Always have your children wear the right size and type life jacket approved by the US Coast Guard while on boats or around open bodies of water or participating in water sports. The life jacket should fit snugly and not allow the child’s chin or ears to slip through the neck opening.
• Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.
• Enroll your child in swimming lessons after age 4 – typically the earliest age when they are likely to practice and retain information. Teach children how to tread water, float and stay by the shore.
• Make sure kids swim only in areas designated for swimming.
• Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool: they need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.
• Do not let kids operate personal water crafts such as jet skis. These are intended for adults and require special training.
• Teach children not to dive into oceans, lakes or rivers because you never know how deep the water is or what might be hidden under the surface of the water.

You’re underway – have a good time. Remember that good sportsmanship and common courtesy are the fundamentals of good boating.

You’ve worked hard to get where you are, and you have a lot to look out for. You deserve the right policy at the right price. Why not get started today and save with a PA insurance boat quote? Have a boat in New Jersey and Maryland? We can help you, contact us by calling us toll-free at 888.304.6678.