WASHINGTON, D.C., March 23, 2012 – This boating season, millions of boaters will be taking to the nation’s waterways. GEICO Insurance Agency recommends the following safety tips to ensure that you and your guests have a safe time on the water.
- Always wear a life jacket – The U.S. Coast Guard requires that all recreational boats must carry one Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person aboard. Life jackets should be tested once a year and must be the appropriate size for the intended user.
- Check the weather forecast – A calm, sunny day can quickly turn into a deadly storm. Check the weather forecast before venturing out on your boat. Also, keep a radio on board to receive weather updates and advisories.
- Take a boater safety course – Play it safe and take a boater safety course to learn the proper regulations and safety precautions on the water. Most states require operators to pass boater safety requirements and display their safety certificate at all times.
- Don’t drink and boat – According to the U.S. Coast Guard, Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) is a leading cause in fatal boating accidents. Alcohol affects judgment, vision and increases the likelihood of an accident. It’s illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol.
- Preventative boat maintenance – Keeping your boat in good working order is an important part of the boating experience. Regularly, having your equipment checked for safety ensures that it will perform better, reduce depreciation and save on costly repairs.
- Operate at a safe speed – Excessive speeding is a leading cause of all reported boating accidents. Operate your boat at a safe speed and stay aware of traffic density and navigation hazards to avoid accidents and save lives.
- Learn the rules of the waterway – Unlike our streets; waterways don’t have traffic signals to direct boater traffic. So boaters must depend on each other by observing safety precautions and navigational rules to prevent mishaps.
- Hypothermia is a risk – Avoid entering the water when the temperature is below 59 degrees Fahrenheit or hypothermia may result. The symptoms include a decrease in body temperature, uncontrolled breathing and unconsciousness. As you plan your trip, pack dry clothing in a waterproof bag and never go out alone.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector – Internal combustion engines on boats emit a harmful, odorless gas called carbon monoxide. The symptoms are similar to seasickness or alcohol intoxication. All boats with an enclosed cabin need to be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector as a precaution.
- Create a float plan – The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that boaters inform a friend or family member where they plan to go, the route they will take and the time they are expected to return. This information will aid officials if an accident occurs.
GEICO Insurance Agency offers protection against risks such as natural disasters, personal injury, theft, accidents, property damage, vandalism and liability, featuring competitive rates, online quoting, multi-policy discounts and multiple pay plan options. For more information on boating, go to www.geico.com/information/aboutinsurance/boat/.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 11 million private passenger customers and insures more than 18 million vehicles (auto & cycle).
GEICO's online service center helps policyholders take care of policy sales, policy changes, claims reporting and to print insurance ID cards.
GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for boats, life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.
For more information, go to www.geico.com.
