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From a practical safety standpoint, boaters should always wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device). However, every U.S. state has different laws regarding the wearing of PFDs, so you should always check your local laws to see what is applicable.
It is also important to remember that there are many kinds of PFD. Boaters should always be careful to wear the correct vest for the specific activity they will be enjoying.
When you go to the store, you will find vests for fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding — there is a different vest available for just about any watersport activity.
The most common types for watersports have a foam insert and either a nylon or neoprene exterior. Neoprene is the same material as used for wetsuits (and mousepads!).
The regular orange lifevests (as shown on the right of the picture at the top of this article) are NOT designed for watersports and should never be used.
On the back, on the inside of the vest, always make sure that your vest is labelled as “USCG Approved” to show that it meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements.
Watersports vests should have a zipper, and at least 2 but more often 3 or 4exterior buckles that come across your chest and stomach.
Remember that PFDs come in different sizes and cuts, too, depending on body type! They should fit snugly and be well-fitted to your body, so that, if you should fall into the water, it will not ride up over your head. PFDs designed for adults will not work for children, who should be fitted with their own special vests.
More women than ever before have discovered the boating lifestyle. Whether at the helm or as a valued second mate, they are enjoying the benefits of boating. Here are some great tips from some seasoned female skippers who train hundreds of women each year as part of the Freedom Boat Club DIVA program.
Nothing beats getting out on the water and making memories that last a lifetime with those you love. When a child enters the family, it makes sense that you want to start sharing those special times with them too! As you can imagine, there are definitely some challenges involved with bringing your toddler on board, but with a few tips and tricks, and a positive attitude, you can start creating those everlasting memories!
Every time you go out boating, you should be sure to take the following items in a “Go Bag” or “Ditch Bag”.
Keep your bag in the same place in your house, somewhere easily accessible, so you will be sure to grab it every time you go boating.
Always keep it fully stocked — never “borrow” items from it for home use!
Because Freedom Boat Club has such helpful, friendly dock staff, our members never have to worry about casting off, or securing the boat when they return.
But not every slip has such helpful staff, so it is important that you know how to secure a boat to a dock!
From a practical safety standpoint, boaters should always wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device). However, every U.S. state has different laws regarding the wearing of PFDs, so you should always check your local laws to see what is applicable.
When hailing another vessel, less is always more, and there is an accepted way to make contact.