ERIE,
Pa., July 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Warm
weather means long relaxing days out on the water with friends and
family. But regardless of how long you've been boating, it's
helpful to brush up on some safety best practices to help avoid an
accident.
Here are six boating safety tips from Erie Insurance to
make sure you stay safe this summer:
- Inspect the boat. Hoses and other rubber parts may be
affected by dry rot. Also, take at look at all the metal surfaces
and electrical areas for corrosion. The Vessel Safety Check is a
free public service offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and
U.S. Power Squadron volunteers.
- Check the fluid levels. Just like a car your boat needs
several fluids to run smoothly. Make sure your oil, power steering,
power trim, coolant and gear oil are all at satisfactory levels
before you head out.
- Test the battery. If your battery is more than four
years old, it's probably time for a replacement. Sailors for the
Sea recommend charging and checking for connection corrosion at the
beginning of the season.
- Pack your safety gear. Make sure your boat has all the
appropriate safety equipment on board. This includes life jackets,
fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, a bailer, an anchor, a
first aid kit, a flashlight and a bell or whistle. You should also
make sure to bring a fully charged cell phone with you whenever you
head out.
- Pay attention to the weather. No one would think
of taking a boat out in a thunderstorm. Yet boat owners often don't
think twice about other weather conditions that could prove just as
dangerous. Avoid boating on exceptionally windy days since waves
could capsize a smaller boat or cause passengers to fall out.
- Develop (and communicate) a float plan. This includes
all pertinent information to your trip including contact
information for the trip leader, the boat type and registration
information and where you plan to boat. Give someone at your marina
a heads-up, or a family member, especially if you're going
somewhere remote.
While routine maintenance is not covered under a boat policy,
boat insurance can help cover you, your passengers and your
boat as well as other people and their property. There are lots of
things to consider when pricing your boat insurance. Get in touch
with a local Erie Insurance agent, who can help you determine
exactly what you need and what type of policy is best for you
before you set sail.
About Erie Insurance
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in
Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 12th
largest homeowners insurer, 12th largest automobile insurer and
13th largest commercial lines insurer in the United States based on direct premiums
written. Founded in 1925, Erie Insurance is a Fortune 500 company
and the 19th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net
premium written. Rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, ERIE has more than 6 million policies in force
and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. News releases and more
information are available on ERIE's website at
www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance Group