Arrowhead Yacht Club & Marina is your go-to dealer for buying and renting boats and boating events in Ketchum and serving all of Oklahoma. We value the boating lifestyle, and as you look forward to creating memories on your boat, safety should be a priority. To get you accustomed to secure boating, here are some safety tips for you to practice.

Always Carry a Safety Kit

Unfortunately, when disasters or accidents requiring emergency reactions strike, they do so without forewarning. Being proactive and acting to prevent or prepare for emergencies before boating is essential. With a boat safety kit, you protect yourself and other boaters. 

Before packing the safety kit, ensure all main items are present. You don't want to realize during a crisis that you are lacking some necessary safety items. Here are some of the items that need to be part of your safety kit:

• A first-aid kit is crucial to help you deal with medical emergencies that may hit you while you are out in the water. Ensure you are knowledgeable about using the first-aid kit.
• A flashlight or headlight for when you are stuck at sea or late coming back from your boating experience. Darkness can make it hard to navigate your boat. Furthermore, a light source is a great way for others to spot you if you need to be seen.
• In case of a leak, duct tape may come in handy as a temporary fix.
• A bucket or basin for scooping water out of your boat.
• A water-resistant whistle to call out for help.
• Ropes and floaters in case someone accidentally goes overboard. In addition, they also act as support during anchoring and tying down loose items.
• Life jackets are a must-have. Have an extra life jacket for the total amount of boat occupants. For instance, if you have four people onboard, carry five or six life jackets to be safe.

Wear Your Life Jacket

Despite the life jacket's obvious use, most boating fanatics underplay wearing them. Drowning is responsible for over half of boating-related deaths. Whether or not you can swim, drowning can occur in different scenarios.

The only logical and assured protection from drowning is wearing a life jacket. While adults can make their choices, young children must wear life jackets in a boat. Life jackets will also help rescuers spot you faster in case tragedy strikes.

Don't Drink and Boat

Yes, you read that right. Don't drink or get intoxicated and operate a boat. Not only is it against the law, but it can cause accidents that are costly and fatal. In case you want to drink, have a sober captain on hand to take over.

Check Weather Forecast

Weather conditions determine how well you enjoy your boating experience. Bad weather is dangerous and tough for boating to take place. As the weather can switch at any moment, you should check the weather forecast before you head out to the dock.

Visit Arrowhead Yacht Club & Marina in Ketchum, Oklahoma, serving all areas of Oklahoma to buy your boat and inquire more about boat safety.