Are you REALLY prepared to take that Boat-- AFLOAT?

So, you think you have everything you need for a day, on your boat, on a lake or the bay, the ocean or the delta? What items do you need to make your day safer and more fun? Have you thought about that potential emergency? What happens if your boat incurs a devastating leak from hitting an object that is submerged?
What about the other occupants in your boat? Are you prepared for an emergency should you not be able to return to the pier in short order? What about the safety of those guests you've invited to come along for just an outing, for fishing, or maybe for that bit of water skiing? Do you have any safety equipment on board? If there are skiers, do you have that red warning flag to let other boaters and skiers know you have guests in a water toy, or in the water just swimming around or diving, or at the ready on skis? Maybe it's not required where you take your boat afloat, but do you know? Do you have children on board? Do you have safety vests for everyone including the small children aboard? How about plenty of drinking water, sodas, or snacks?
What about the sun? Do your guests have protective eye wear, goggles, or sun glasses? Do you? What about caps or some protection for scalps? How about sunscreen? The worst sunburns can be gotten from the sun's rays dancing off the water providing bounding UV rays, yielding very red and chafed skin, as well as damage to the eyes from the constant bright glare! Are you prepared?
What happens if the motor goes and you become stranded? Do you have any type of communication device, like a CB or 2-way radio. Cell phones may not work. What about a set of paddles, or oars of some type?
Lastly, have you thought about something as basic as a First Aid Kit? What about flares? Does anyone have extra dry clothes, maybe a blanket or two on board, or a tarp? You don't have to bring the "whole house," but a word to the wise about carrying at least some of these items, even on a short day trip, on your boat afloat. Are you REALLY prepared to take YOUR boat--afloat?

Necessities for a Boat Afloat

What do you THINK you need to go boating? Oh sure, you have the boat, maybe a motor or paddles, even the trailer on which your boat rests before launch, but have you considered your REAL needs when out on the water, afloat?
There are several other basic items which will make your boating experience more fun, safer, and gear you up for any emergency.
A must for any boater are water shoes. Beach shoes or sandals that are flexible and dry easily, as well as being made of non-damaging materials and easy on your boat's finish, are essential.
A second, and most important item is a boating safety vest. Just like needing seat belts in your car, a safety vest can prevent any boater, young or old, from drowning should an unforeseen incident happen. Boating vests come in many bright colors, giving easy visibility to other boaters in the area. They come in all sizes, from infant to the plus-sized adult, based mostly on the weight of the boater. The cost, compared to the loss of life with drowning, is very minimal. The cost for even the most excellently made vest is usually under $50. The properly fitted vest keeps the boater afloat. For a child, the flotation collar keeps small heads upright, having special neck supports, grab straps and enhanced flotation capabilities. They have adjustable body straps as well, for a snug fit, yet allowing easy limb movement.
Sunglasses, with recommended UV/ray protection, are essential to help reduce the sun's glare off the water, even for the smallest boaters.
Do you use your boat to pull inflatable toys, or skiers? Then the proper type of tow rope is absolutely necessary as there are ropes specifically for towing toys like tubes and boards, and others for towing one or more skiers, as well as for tying up your boat.
Do you prefer lake, or river, or ocean boating? Wet suits are a must and come in many styles and colors as well. There are short and shirt suits, to full body suits like a diver wears, known to many as "body gloves" (also a particular brand of suit.) These suits are for warmth, rash prevention and sun protection for those boaters who make a day of it on the water wherever they go. They are light weight, protective and fast drying too.
Remember, to include a first aid kit for that unexpected cut or scrape which inevitably happens when you least expect it. Be prepared!
Lastly, don't forget the sunscreen for both the kids, and the adults, in your boat--afloat!