In a report from the U.S. Coast Guards Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety, owners cited weather as one of the top ten causes for their boating accidents. Winter storms threaten many factors, including vision, stability and access. Having OC boat insurance helps you repair the vessel, but it cannot bring back a life or restore your composure.
Personal choices make a difference, allowing you to act quickly and respond appropriately. Bolster your knowledge and awareness of winter safety concerns so that you know what to do when disaster strikes.
What Are the Dangers of Boating in the Winter?
During the winter months, the weather shifts, bringing cooler air. While a nice change of pace from the hot days of summer, these changes impact the safety of water travel. Before you head out, understand the possible complications that could occur.
The body reacts negatively to extreme cold, especially those in the water. Hypothermia may set in when someone’s core temperature drops below 95 degrees. That condition may seem unlikely and hard to fathom, but it can occur quickly, even in water reading 70 degrees.
Then, owners must consider the hardship the weather takes on the equipment. Ice increases the possibility of trouble with engines, batteries and holes. People sailing an unsafe or uninspected vessel could get stuck or face water intrusion. Based on the Coast Guard’s findings, flooding and swamping ranked second in the primary accident types, with 589 owners reporting it as the reason for their accident.
How Can You Prepare for Safety Boating Threats in the Winter?
You don’t want to skip out on boating during the winter; in fact, time on the water offers a nice respite from the daily grind, giving you an outlet to relax and detox. Plus, despite the change in weather, the fish still bite, and the fresh air feels quite good. Rather than forfeit your enjoyment, plan head. Consider what you can do if trouble happens and fortify the ship to handle the harsher climate.
Get the boat ready for freezing waters. Have a mechanic examine it, checking if you should make any repairs. Ensure the engine functions well, and the vessel does not have holes.
Check the forecast before you go out because winter storms prove hazardous. Winds pick up, visibility decreases and tides shift. Make sure someone on land knows your intended location, and, if you suspect a storm may brew, reschedule for another day.
Discuss how to help someone who falls overboard. The cold shock quickly harms humans, making it hard for even a strong swimmer to survive in the river or sea.
Enjoy heading out into nature this winter. Just remember to ready yourself and your vessel. This year, invest in OC boat insurance and decide on a plan of action that allows you and your passengers to remain safe.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
