With 11.96 million registered recreational boating vessels in the United States, it’s clear that boating is a popular leisure activity for many people in the country. Boats can be used to host parties, go for a trip with friends and family, or just to relax and unwind.
While recreational boating is a great way to entertain yourself and your loved ones, it can be detrimental if you don’t take the right precautions. There were 4,291 recreational boating accidents in 2017 alone. Out of the various contributing factors, the leading causes were reported to be operator inattention and inexperience. It’s no wonder, then, that boating safety is imperative to having an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Here are some reasons why you should opt for a boat safety course:
Your safety, your priority
Your own safety, and that of your crew or passengers, is vital. Taking a boating safety course will ensure you know what to do in case of an emergency and you’ll be better prepared to tackle things that come your way.
Cover the basics
Boating may have been something you enjoyed with your family as you were growing up but relying on that knowledge alone is not enough. There’s so much that only a boat safety course can teach you, covering all the basics and range of topics there are. Just knowing the different parts of a boat is one aspect of the basics, you must also know their functioning and what to do in case of emergencies.
Environmental safety
The environment shouldn’t have to be collateral damage to your recreational boating. There are steps you can take to make sure you’re not causing any harm or damage to the waters you’re boating in. From oil and gas spillages to protecting aquatic vegetation, a boating safety course can teach you what steps to take to make sure you’re conserving what’s around you.
Don’t sink your money
Knowing what to do—and what not to do—can save you a lot of money in the long run. When you know how to care for your boat and what safety procedures to ensure, you won’t be as vulnerable to an accident as you would be otherwise.
Know which equipment to use
If you’re new to boating, the various tools and equipment used can be an enigma. A course can explain the functioning of each to ensure you are well-equipped in emergencies and to keep your boat running smoothly.
It’s convenient
Taking a course and getting your certification is simpler than ever with online resources. Now you can get all your informative material over the internet and easily attain the necessary licensing without the hassle of leaving the comfort of your home.
If you’re planning on getting a boat, get licensed smoothly with Boater’s Academy. Our 3-step process gives you a free study guide to prepare, take quizzes and, eventually, get certified. Getting a boating license has never been easier, start our online course now!