At Maui Boating, our aim is for you to have exhilarating adventures on the sea, but our number one concern is that you’re safe at all times. For that reason, we’re going to look at the following essentials for boating safety.
Always wear your life jackets
Simply put, there’s nothing more important than wearing your life jacket when renting a boat. The majority of fatalities at sea are due to drowning, and 84% of them involve a victim who is not wearing their life jacket.
Regardless of whether you’re a great swimmer and what the state regulations say, you should be wearing your life jacket any time you’re on the boat, whether it’s motorized or not. Even good swimmers can become confused or injured if they fall off the boat. The jacket can help ensure you stay above water and are able to breathe. Life jackets also make it easier for you to be rescued.
When you rent a boat, take a look at the life jacket, make sure it has US Coast Guard approval and try it on to make sure it fits before you set out to sea. Ensure that it’s properly fastened by holding your arms straight up and asking a friend to pull it up gently. It shouldn’t ride up over your chin if it’s a good fit.
Get informed and stay safe
At Maui Boating, we provide an orientation video that provides all the safety information you need to know to get a day-trip boating license in the state. However, we recommend that before you rent a boat, you take the time to get as informed on the risks and the rules of the water as possible. Take a National Association of Boating Law Administrators safety course, research the Hawaii boating state laws, and know the USCG Rules of the Road.
Have More Questions? Check Out Our Boating Safety Hub
Check yourself before heading out
Before you take your boat out to sea, ask the rental service when they last performed a vessel safety check and when they last checked their equipment to make sure that you’re comfortable that the vessel is in good condition. Make sure the boat has everything you need, including a first-aid kit, and sunscreen.
While out on the ocean
We want you to have a great time on the sea, but make sure you know your limits and avoid doing anything rash that could lead to injury. If you’re drinking alcohol, then keep it in moderation to avoid accidents, and don’t ever drink and drive a boat. If you’re on the water and the weather starts to change rapidly, such as rapidly cooling or getting much windier, it’s recommended you get off the water.
Think you know Boating Safety? Take our Quiz to make sure!
Be safe with watersports and activities
At Maui Boating, we’re glad to offer snorkel rentals and fishing excursions, and many enjoy our boats for watersporting activities. However, you should always be careful with activities on the water. At Maui Boating, we’re glad to offer snorkel rentals and fishing excursions, and many enjoy our boats for watersporting activities. However, you should always be careful with activities on the sea. Make sure you have practiced using the tow rope safely, and how to get out of the water into the boat. Practice hand signals to use when someone is in the water and always a keep spotter on deck when people are in the water. It also recommended you only start the engine when everyone is in the boat, and avoid doing any water activities at night.