Top Essentials to Bring When Boating

Boating or going on a sail is one of the numerous fun activities to do when in rivers, lakes, or open seas. It has a lot of benefits for the mind and body. It can take away stress by being in the water and it also stimulates relaxation. Another great thing about boating is that it also burns calories while at the same time allowing the body to get an ample amount of Vitamin D.

While boating is all about enjoying and having fun under the sun, we should keep in mind that problems may arise during the activity. It is always best to be ready so that it would be easy to manage the problems as soon as they come up. One of the most basic examples that is necessary to bring while onboard are floating keychains. This may be just a small thing and it can be easily disregarded, but it is vital to use this kind of keychain just in case any untoward accident will happen, like keys dropping on the water. The keys will stay afloat, making it easier to retrieve.

Before sailing, there are a number of things that a boater ought to have on board to ensure, not just to have fun, but also be safe for the whole day of boating. Listed below are some of the most basic items that one should need to pack with them when going boating.

Water

Dehydration is a serious matter and it should not be taken lightly. When boating in an open sea, or even on rivers or lakes, it is very important to bring fresh water all the time. The body causes to generate a tantamount amount of heat especially when boating during the summer when the sun is high. When constantly sitting exposed under the sun, it tends to increase the heat of the body. The body gets rid of the increased heat by sweating. If the fluids are not replaced, increased sweating will then lead to dehydration. This will therefore make one more tired and at greater risk of any untoward accident while boating.

Drinking a lot of water – before, during, and even after boating – is a great way to reduce the risk of dehydration. During a hot or warm weather, it is good to keep in mind that to keep the body hydrated, drinking plenty of water every fifteen (15) to twenty (20) minutes is a must.

First Aid Kit

First aid kits that are full and well stocked will help to ensure that any unfortunate accidents, may it be big or small, such as getting cuts or being sea sick can be addressed the soonest possible. One can easily buy or even make their own waterproof first aid kit that will include scissors, bandages, gauze, cotton, antiseptic, pain relievers, and even tweezers.

Food

Making sure that ample food is in stock will guarantee that there is enough food just in case one would stay longer in the water than originally planned. It is good to bring sweet or sugary snacks and eat it when in need for a quick energy boost. Healthier snacks will be best in giving energy all through the day.  

Life Vests and Floaters

Safety will always be the first consideration when doing this kind of activity. Life vests should always be worn to prevent drowning. But safety should not be only limited to a person’s wellbeing but also to the possessions or stuff that one must bring when boating since things could easily drop into the water.  Stuff which are big may be easily recovered when it falls to the water, but it can be quite tough with the smaller things such as keys. This is one of the reasons why a great deal of equipment and supplies have been made available to the general public to try and keep things floating on the water in the unfortunate event of accidents or emergencies, and one of them is floating keychains.

A floating keychain is commonly used to avoid the possible loss of keys when accidentally dropped on the water. It is specifically designed to float on the water’s surface, fully supporting even several pounds of weight. They are manufactured and sold in various designs, colors and sizes. Most are relatively small so that it can conveniently fit in the pocket. It is typically made from an EVA foam that basically allows them to just float on the water surface rather than end up at the bottom of the ocean, swimming pool, or river. People who have had the untoward experience of losing their keys while boating will certainly understand how important it is to use floating key chains.

Blanket or Jacket

This is more for convenience than a necessity. A light jacket might be needed when the sun is high as to avoid scorching the skin and a blanket is good if one is sailing early in the morning to keep warm.

Flashlight

A flashlight or a spotlight will be handy if one ends up caught in the situation where he or she is still in the water when it starts to get dark. There are handheld flashlights that can work well but it is recommended to get those spotlight that can be easily attached to the boat.

Tools

It would be best to have tools, a screwdriver or wrench will do, when going boating. These tools might be of little use if there are major boat repairs, but it could help fix small repairs or tune-ups that are needed while on board. For instance, one will want to tighten as soon as possible a loose screw or bolt because if left unattended, it may fall out which makes it hard to find and replace.

Cellphone or Radio

A working phone and a marine radio should always be handy. This can help if there is a dire need for rescuing or if there is any unfavorable accident that might happen. Knowing the marine patrol or the Coast Guard’s number is recommended.