Boating in the waters of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch is a popular pastime for visitors and residents alike. Here are some boating safety tips for beginners to longtime boaters.

Before Setting Sail

1. Take a Boating Safety Course – Even expert boaters should regularly familiarize themselves with the rules of safely operating a vessel, especially since boater education requirements vary by state. Take a course in your community or look for a tutorial online.
2. Consider a Free Safety Check – The U.S. Coast Guard offers complimentary boat checks to make sure you have the proper safety gear on board – safety gear set by state and federal regulations. A specialist will perform the check and provide helpful recommendations, or you can complete a virtual safety check online.
3. Check the Weather – Always check local weather conditions before setting off. If you’re out on the water and notice darkening clouds, changing winds or a sudden drop in temperature, get off the water as soon as possible.
4. Set a Course – Tell a relative, friend or someone at your marina where you’re going and how long you plan to be gone. This “float plan” should include your boat type and registration number, contact information for everyone board and the type of communication and signal equipment you have on board.
5. Designate a Skipper – A knowledgeable captain is a must, but it’s just as essential to have more than one person on board who knows how to operate and handle your boat.
6. Be Prepared – Every time you go boating, follow a pre-departure checklist that includes fire safety regulations to tips on fueling up for your trip.

When on the Water

1. Use Life Jackets Properly – Help keep your family and friends safe by fitting everyone on board with a life jacket.
2. Avoid Alcohol – Save the alcohol for later and concentrate on piloting your vessel.
3. Look Out for Manatees and Other Wildlife – Respect our local wildlife. Slow down in manatee speed zones, wear polarized sunglasses so you can see below the water’s surface, and avoid boating over seagrass beds and in shallow areas. If you do see a manatee or dolphin, stay a safe distance away – at least 50 feet. If you want to observe the creature, cut your motor.
4. Use Common Sense – Operate at a safe speed at all times, especially in crowded areas. Be alert, and steer clear of large watercraft that may not be able to stop or turn easily. Be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids that are there for your safety. And, most importantly, use your common sense.