Boat Safety Video & guides

Open Water Safety

Stay smart, stay prepared, and make every splash safe. Come back with who you left with.

Swimming & Boating Safety: How to Have Fun and Stay Safe

Safe Splash Guide Video
splash guide: swimming off a boat

Swimming or boating on a lake is one of life’s simple joys. The wide-open water, the cool breeze, and the feeling of freedom are hard to beat. But unlike a pool, lakes can be unpredictable. Hidden hazards, changing water conditions, boat traffic, and even wildlife can turn an amazing day on the water into a risky situation.

That’s why knowing a few key safety tips can make all the difference. A little awareness goes a long way toward keeping your adventures fun, stress-free, and safe. In this video are simple processes to ensure a safe day with everyone. Come back with who you left with.

Water Safety Brochure
Splash Guide Action Plan

Preparation is the easiest way to stay safe and enjoy your time:

  1. Checklist before anyone boards the boat. Know their swimming capabilities. 
  2. Properly fit children and non swimmers with coast guard approved life vests. 
  3. Co-Pilot, assign a co-pilot to assist in emergencies. Have them download Boat U.S. app., or give them access to your phone to view it. 
  4. Download Boat U.S. app. on your phone.
    1. Check the weather: A sunny morning can turn into a windy afternoon. If you see dark clouds or hear thunder, get out of the water.

    2. Know your lake zones: Look for marked swimming areas and boating lanes. Stick to them—they exist for a reason.

  5.  Equip the boat with a life ring and throw device.
  6. Anchor the boat safely.
  7. Properly show guests how to get into the water. No diving of jumping off the boat. 
  8. Lower the ladder and safely get off the boat.
  9. Tie floats to the boat to ensure no one drifts off. 
  10. Use the Buddy System, don’t go alone. Whether swimming or boating, it’s safer (and more fun!) with a friend.
What To Do When Something Falls Off The Boat Video
What To Do when something falls off the boat?

Lakes are beautiful, but it comes with some challenges:

  • What to do when something falls off the boat? Welcome to a simple process that many don’t think to do. The goal is to make these protocols easy so they come naturally when needed. I don’t want anyone to have to experience what I did. If you know and practice simple protocols this will come naturally to you.

  • Changing conditions: Waves from boats, underwater currents, or sudden weather shifts can catch you off guard.

  • Cold or deep water: Even if the day is warm, deeper areas of the lake can be chilly. Cold water can lead to cramps or fatigue.

  • Boats everywhere: With people fishing, sailing, or jet skiing, visibility is crucial for both swimmers and boaters.

For boaters, always remember: collisions and overloading are real risks, so stay alert, follow the rules, and respect your fellow lake-goers.

Water Safety | Don’t take risks and risk your life.

Swimming in open water is risky for everyone, even those who are strong swimmers. There are many hidden dangers in open water, from objects you can get caught on, cold water shock and not being able to climb out. If you’re looking for somewhere to swim, please head to a swimming pool, lido or designated space for swimming where it is safe. Don’t take risks and risk your life. No one can see you to save you. DON’T DIVE IN OPEN WATER!

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