Basic Boat Safety Tips for Beginners

When searching for ways to make your marine adventures more fun and exciting, prioritize safety above everything else. Don’t worry if you are unsure where to begin—we have you covered. Keep reading this guide to learn more about safety tips for boaters, and for more information, contact Dewitt Marine.

Know the Laws

The first thing to do before getting out on the water is to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations. Check out Michigan’s boating laws and navigation rules and ensure you are fully compliant.

Operate With Care

Another boat safety tip that you should follow is never to operate your vessel under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs. These substances can slow your reaction time and make you more prone to taking risks. This can jeopardize your safety and the safety of others around you.

Next, you will want to give space to swimmers and alert them before passing them on the right side. You will also want to maintain a reasonable speed and be observant of obstacles on the water.

Maintain Your Boat

More importantly, you will want to maintain your boat proactively and regularly. This will help prevent your model from encountering problems that can cause you to become stranded on the water.

Thorough maintenance can also help you spot hidden issues before they worsen and allow you to apply suitable fixes before you get out on the water. You will want to include oil changes, battery checks, refilling fuel, and cleaning your boat into your regular boat maintenance checklist.

We hope this guide helps you stay safe on the water. If you need more advice or are still in the market for a boat, visit Dewitt Marine. We have a fine selection of boats for sale, and we can help you select a model that suits your budget and marine lifestyle. We are in Bellaire, MI, and proud to serve those from Northern Michigan, Traverse City, and Grand Rapids.