The beautiful sunny weather that comes in the summer season makes summer a great time to go for a boat ride. However, a nice day out on the lake can turn into a disaster if proper boat safety is not taken into consideration.
Why it matters: Over 5,000 boating accidents occur yearly in the U.S., causing $62.5 million in damages.
5 boat safety tips:
1. Do not swim near the boat or launching ramp. Residual current could flow into the water from the boat putting anyone in the water at risk of Electric Shock Drowning.
2. Keep your boat properly maintained and consider having it inspected annually. GFCIs and ELCIs should be tested monthly to make sure they properly work. Do leakage testing to determine if the electrical current is escaping the vessel.
3. Never use household cords near water. Use only portable GFCIs or shore power cords (including “Y” adapters) that are “UL- Marine Listed” when using electricity near water.
4. Know where your main breaker(s) are located on both the boat and the shore power source so, in case of emergency, you can respond.
5. Have your boat’s electrical system inspected and upgraded by a certified marine electrician to be sure it meets your local and state NEC, NFPA, and ABYC safety codes and standards.
Apply these safety tips so you can enjoy your boat trips with no accidents and keep the ones you love safe.
Source: esfi.org
