Even though summer is behind us, you can still take your boat out onto the water this fall. However, if you do, be sure that you and your passengers are safe.

Whether your boat fits the whole family, a group of friends, or it’s just big enough for you and a few friends to go out for a day of fishing, the safety of you and your passengers should always be at the forefront of your mind.

Staying Safe on the Water

To help get you on the right track and keep you safe on the water, Ed Welliver has the following post for you to read.

Let the Weather Guide You

Celebrating a birthday on the water? How about a day out with your friends fishing? Maybe it’s a weekend camping at a spot you can only reach by boat? Wherever you’re going, first check the weather and water condition forecast to make sure that you can safely reach your destination or even just spend the day on the water. While it can seem like the water condition is fine the morning of your event as you lower your boat, the tides can turn (pardon the pun) quite quickly and leave you and your passengers in not just a precarious position, but a flat out dangerous one.

Only One Person Can Be in Charge

If something happens on your boat, be it big or small, the last thing that you want is for half of your passengers to be listening to one person while the other half listen to somebody else. As you can imagine, this can easily make a small problem into something much bigger. Before you get going, decide who will be the person to listen to should problems arise. Remember that this person doesn't have to be the boat's owner or even the person driving the boat, it just has to be one single person who knows what to do in a range of water-based emergencies and somebody who can provide direction well.

Speaking of Small Problems

As you start your way out, speak about common small problems which can arise and what to do should they occur. A perfect example would be to discuss what to do should somebody fall overboard. Instead of multiple people throwing floatation devices which can become tangled while other people jump into the dangerous water to attempt a rescue, speak about what to do and not to do to help the person in the water get back into the boat quickly and without incident. Click here to buy AMSOIL 10W-30 Synthetic Marine Engine Oil and keep your boat’s engine in good shape. Remember that a safe boat is a well-maintained boat. To find out more about how the right engine products can keep your boat running smoothly, speak with Ed Welliver at (956) 458-9399. Alternatively, check out the online store for the entire range of high-quality AMSOIL products.

Each Passenger Needs a Life Jacket

Without a doubt, the most important safety item on your boat is a life jacket. If any of your passengers need to jump into the water, their life jacket is going to keep them afloat while you wait for help to arrive. When counting your life jackets, remember that children's and adult's life jackets are not interchangeable.  This means that children can’t wear an adult life jacket and the other way around. If you find yourself short, speak with your local boating store about getting appropriately sized jackets for your passengers.

Drink in Moderation

Even though you don’t have other motorists and cars around you to worry about, you still need to ensure that you aren’t intoxicated while operating your vessel. This isn't only so that you can drive the boat safely and in a responsible way, but also so that you’re in a position to act quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency. When deciding how much to drink, consider the gauge you use when you decide if it is safe to drive your vehicle or speak with your local authority and get their advice.

The Best Synthetic Oil Change Products for Your Engine

Remember that it’s important for passenger safety that your vessel and its engine are in good shape. To find out more about which products can not only keep your boat’s engine in good shape but also the vehicle you use to tow it, speak with an expert. Call Ed Welliver at (956) 458-9399 to learn more about the benefits of a synthetic oil change or for advice on finding the right products for your engines.