5 things to remember before setting sail

So you are getting ready to set sail. Whether you’re going out on a small boat or a luxurious multihull, there are always some basic tips and safety requirements to be aware of while sailing. The following apply to crew as well as passengers.

1. Sunscreen – Nothing will ruin your day of sailing faster than realizing you just got burned to a crisp under the bright sun. Depending on the amount of cloud cover, sunburn can occur in a matter of minutes. Bring a sunscreen with a high enough sun protection factor (SPF). Reducing instances of sunburn also reduces chances of contracting skin cancer. Many a sailor has spent the evening after a day of a sailing cursing themselves for forgetting the sunblock.
2. Wear proper footwear – Depending on the size of the boat and how involved you’ll be in its operation, having shoes that will make walking on deck safe is important. Nobody wants to be that person who slips and goes overboard or slips and hits the deck face first. A good pair of soft soled shoes works best. Avoid any footwear with excessive heels or hard rubber soles.
3. Make sure there are enough life vests on board – Before setting sail make sure the boat has one life vest for each passenger/crew member. Common sense dictates that before setting sail everyone put on their life vest. This will ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable voyage. All children passengers should have their life vests put on by an adult and secured properly. Periodically, the children’s life vests should be checked to ensure they are still being worn properly.
4. Bring appropriate clothes – Enjoying the bright sun is great while sailing, but you should take into account that weather conditions can change quickly when out on the water. Temperatures can cool quickly if the sun goes behind clouds or as evening approaches. Take a coat and a set of clothes to wear if the weather or temperature changes for the worse.
5. Know where the safety and first aid equipment is located. Depending on the size of the boat, this can include items like the first aid kit, flare gun, fire extinguisher or any sort of inflatable life rafts. Knowing where these items are can avoid any delay in getting aid should an accident occur during your time out on the water.

These five simple tips can ensure that a sailing trip can be fun and enjoyable for all involved. These tips are a simple matter of preparation and can help avoid any unnecessary accidents or mishaps. Have a great time sailing!