Boating Safety Guide

Behaving in a responsible and safe manner is an important part of boat ownership. There are thousands of boating related accidents each year, resulting in many avoidable deaths and injuries. Luckily, there are all kinds of things you can do to keep yourself and others safe while boating. This guide from Riva Motorsports Space Coast can help you get started. 

Know the Laws

The first step in being a safe boater is knowing and following the relevant local and state laws. Ignoring these laws can have serious consequences both legal and otherwise. If you’re not sure which laws apply in a particular situation, contact the local authorities for more information.

Operate With Care

The first rule of boating safety is to share the water and give others the space they need. Avoid designated swimming areas and other boaters at all times. Pay attention to nearby signs, markers, and buoys. These will tell you where it is and where it isn’t safe to operate your vessel. Finally, never operate a boat (or any motor vehicle) under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These substances can reduce your reaction time and make you more likely to engage in risky behavior, making for a dangerous combination. 

Maintain Your Boat

While some boating accidents are caused by poor decision making and unsafe behaviors, others are caused by mechanical failures. That’s why routine maintenance is the other key to boat safety. Basic maintenance work like cleaning your boat, keeping the battery charged, and swapping out the engine oil/filters makes it less likely that your vessel will suffer from a sudden mechanical failure. 

Shop boats at Riva Motorsports Space Coast. Our dealership is located in Titusville, Florida. We’re proud to serve communities like Orlando and Melbourne, Florida. We also offer parts ordering, servicing, financing, trade-ins, and test rides.