How to Follow Basic Sailing Safety Rules

Sailing is loads of fun when you're out with friends and family, or even as a get-away on your own. However, you want to treat the sport with respect. Injuries, sickness and drowning can turn any perfect sail into a nightmare. Following some basic safety guidelines reduces risk and gives you the freedom to enjoy relaxing with your loved ones.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Tell others when you are going out, what route you plan to take and when you expect to be back. Let them know how many people are going with you and include their names if possible.
2. Check the weather before you set sail and take along a weather radio if you plan to go out for a long period of time. As you sail, watch carefully for weather changes, and head for shore if your safety feels threatened.
3. Keep your life jacket handy and preferably on. Legally you are responsible for having one life jacket on board for each person on the boat and if the waters suddenly turn rough, you'll appreciate having them available.
4. Pack a first aid kit. Make sure it's well stocked with clean bandages, antiseptic ointment and pain killer. Bring along an off-shore radio so you can call for help if someone gets injured.
5. Wear sunblock and take along a hat and extra drinking water. The sun reflects off the water giving a more intense burn and dehydrating you. You can also easily suffer from heat exhaustion, which affects your thinking and decision making skills.
6. Demonstrate basic sailboat safety to your fellow sailors before you leave the dock. Remind them specifically to duck when you are coming about so they are not hit by the boom.
7. Remind everyone to stay by the boat if you capsize. It will help with flotation and is easier for a rescue party to find.