Wolf Agency Offers Boat Safety Tips
Wolf Agency Inc. advises boaters to take necessary precautions to be safe during the summer season, the time of year when boat accidents and claims increase drastically.
“Substantially more people are on the water during the summer, so that is the time boaters should be extra careful to protect their family, friends and watercraft from a loss,” said Ray Caputo of Wolf Agency Inc. “It’s also a good time to review your boat and yacht insurance with an independent agent to be sure you have adequate coverage.” There is probably no other personal insurance coverage that varies from policy to policy. There is NO "standard policy!"
Wolf Agency recommends the following boat safety tips:
- Wear a life jacket: Recent statics reflect that 80 percent of drowning victims were not wearing a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) or life jacket. Most states require that children under a certain age (age 12 in NY) wear a life jacket and that every boat be equipped with one life jacket per passenger.
- Take a boating course: Even if your state does not mandate the completion of a boating course prior to operating a boat, both you and your passengers will benefit from a formalized course. Click to learn more about boating safety classes.
- Schedule a vessel safety check: The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free safety checks. For more information, visit Vessel Safety Check or call 1-800-368-5647.
- Equip your boat with an emergency kit and be familiar with how to use each of the items. Travelers Insurance - a major boat insurance provider - recommends including the following: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, visual distress signal and/or a Coast Guard-approved throwable PFD, such as a life ring or a horseshoe. Organize an emergency plan and make sure that passengers are familiar with it. Remember to test equipment and be knowledgeable of the suggested guidelines for usage and replacement.
- Be prepared for the weather: Check the weather forecast before going on the water and be equipped for changes.
- Know where you are: The Coast Guard recommends having charts, a GPS (Global Positioning System) and a reliable means of communication on board. Never rely solely on a GPS and chart plotter!
- Know how to contact the Coast Guard: Marine radio is the preferred method to communicate on the water because it broadcasts to other boaters in the vicinity. If using a cell phone on the water, test it for a maritime emergency by dialing *CG (*24). There is no charge or penalty for calling to test the signal.
- Do not drink and drive: According to the Coast Guard, a boat operator with a blood alcohol level of .10 percent is 10 times more likely to be involved in a fatal boating accident than a boat operator with a blood alcohol level of zero. Operating a boat while drinking is illegal in several states. Remember that the effects of alcohol are exacerbated when combined with sun exposure and being on the water.
Wolf Agency, Inc. at 5820 Big Tree Rd. in Orchard Park, NY, or call (716)662-6166.