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Sands Harbor Resort and Marina wants to ensure that all boaters
travel safely and wisely. In addition to the safety tips highlighted
below, please check out our links page, which provides several
excellent resources for boating safety.
First
and foremost, make sure you have life jackets (also known as Personal
Flotation Devices or PFDs) for every person on board your
vessel. These need to be checked periodically to ensure they are
in good condition. A good rule is before you embark on your trip
have each person get a PFD, try it on and either wear it, or at
least store it in a handy location. That way if you need a PFD,
a pre-fitted one is easily accessible.
If
you should find yourself in the water, here are two good tools
that we would like to see become standard equipment. One is an
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or EPIRB, available
in standard sizes and personal or individual sizes that can be
attached directly on your PFD. The beacon pinpoints your location,
leading to quicker rescues. Another option is a high-intensity
electronic visual distress signal that operates like flares,
but is battery-powered and can be used multiple times.
Always
check the weather report for wind, surf and hazardous weather
conditions before planning your journey. Click
here for a look at our current offshore weather conditions.
File
a float plan with a friend, detailing the length of your trip,
your travel route and destinations, and when you plan to return.
Keep
a cellular phone and a VHR radio on hand to call for help if you're
in trouble, or to contact the person with your float plan if you're
plans have changed.
Last,
but not least, respect your fellow boaters and your environment!
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