ERIE, Pa., July 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Warm weather
means long relaxing days out on the water with friends and family.
But regardless of how long you've been boating, it's helpful to
brush up on some safety best practices to help avoid an
accident.
Here are six boating safety tips from Erie Insurance to
make sure you stay safe this summer:
- Inspect the boat. Hoses and other rubber parts may be
affected by dry rot. Also, take at look at all the metal surfaces
and electrical areas for corrosion. The Vessel Safety
Check is a free public service offered by the U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron volunteers.
- Check the fluid levels. Just like a car your boat needs
several fluids to run smoothly. Make sure your oil, power steering,
power trim, coolant and gear oil are all at satisfactory levels
before you head out.
- Test the battery. If your battery is more than four
years old, it's probably time for a replacement. Sailors for the
Sea recommend charging and checking for connection corrosion
at the beginning of the season.
- Pack your safety gear. Make sure your boat has all the
appropriate safety equipment on board. This includes life jackets,
fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, a bailer, an anchor, a
first aid kit, a flashlight and a bell or whistle. You should also
make sure to bring a fully charged cell phone with you whenever you
head out.
- Pay attention to the weather. No one would
think of taking a boat out in a thunderstorm. Yet boat owners often
don't think twice about other weather conditions that could prove
just as dangerous. Avoid boating on exceptionally windy days since
waves could capsize a smaller boat or cause passengers to fall
out.
- Develop (and communicate) a float plan. This
includes all pertinent information to your trip including contact
information for the trip leader, the boat type and registration
information and where you plan to boat. Give someone at your marina
a heads-up, or a family member, especially if you're going
somewhere remote.
While routine maintenance is not covered under a boat policy,
boat insurance can help cover you, your passengers and your
boat as well as other people and their property.
"It's smart to protect your boat with physical damage coverage –
that includes permanently attached equipment, any boating equipment
and accessories, outboard motors and boat trailers," says
Dave Freeman, vice president,
Personal Lines and Regional Underwriting Officer at Erie
Insurance.
If you decide to pass on insuring your boat against damages,
experts still suggest a call to your insurance agent.
"Boat owners should at a minimum carry liability insurance,
which covers them for any damage they may cause to someone's
property or if they cause an injury to someone else," says
Freeman.
Contact a local Erie Insurance agent to learn more or get a boat
insurance quote today.
About Erie Insurance
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group,
based in Erie, Pennsylvania,
is the 9th largest homeowners insurer and
12th largest automobile insurer in the United
States based on direct premiums written and the
16th largest property/casualty insurer in the
United States based on total lines net premium
written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best
Company, has more than 5 million policies in force and operates in
12 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Insurance
Group is a FORTUNE 500 company.
News releases and more information about Erie Insurance
Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance