The Legal Examiner Affiliate Network The Legal Examiner The Legal Examiner The Legal Examiner search instagram avvo phone envelope checkmark mail-reply spinner error close The Legal Examiner The Legal Examiner The Legal Examiner
Skip to main content

The saying “a stitch in time saves nine” is more than just a catchy slant rhyme. It is a cautionary admonition to anyone who feels tempted to rush through a task or activity in order to get done sooner. The adage reminds us that, even though cutting corners may seem like a convenient shortcuts, odds are that haste is going to lead to accidents. Correcting these mistakes made in the interest of speed costs more time and more resources than it would have taken to complete a task correctly the first time around. This saying applies to safety precautions as well. Following standard guidelines can save you from unnecessary injuries, which cost both time and money. Now that summer is here, many families are looking forward to recreational activities that they can’t enjoy at other times of the year. One popular pastime that requires attentiveness and preparation is boating.

Before taking a boat out, you should first make sure you know what areas of the water are open to your type of boat. Doing so can help you avoid collisions with obstacles in the water, other boats, or swimmers. Prior to a boat trip, chart your destination, make a plan and stick to it. Check the weather and pack appropriate clothing, and double check to make sure you have enough fuel and oil. When fueling, use a fuel collar to prevent backsplash and try not to let gas drip into the water. Before you leave, you should pack your registration and owner’s manual in a waterproof container.

Never go out on the water without carrying a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, spill kit, and a life vest for each person on board; as the overconfident British Board of Trade learned when Titanic capsized, it is better to have a cluttered deck than too few emergency tools. Another lesson to be learned from the folly of the unsinkable ship is the importance of travelling at a safe speed. Don’t push your boat in order to arrive at its destination ahead of schedule or simply to enjoy the rush. Always remember that, just like a car, a boat is a vehicle, and you may need to stop at any time. To that end, you should designate a watchperson who can look out for swimmers, obstacles, or other boats.

Responsible boating also means avoiding unnecessary risks, like drinking, taking drugs, or attempting to jump a wake. There may be skiers or swimmers who aren’t visible because of the wave. Instead, cross at low speeds if you can’t go around the wake. You should also exercise caution when traveling through shallow areas and do so at a low speed.

Boating safely doesn’t end on the water. When it is time to take your boat home, check to see that your trailer is working properly, that the lights haven’t burnt out, and that the boat is secured and the items inside are balanced before you go on the road.

As long as you remember to treat the water with the same caution you would use on a highway, boating can be a safe, fun, relaxing activity. If you follow precautionary measures before taking the boat out, obey laws about speed and safe boating zones, and transport the boat safely, your caution and attention to detail will most likely be rewarded with an enjoyable trip. Just remember that when it comes to boating, cutting corners is never advisable. You can save yourself a lot of stitches or worse by taking the time to be safe.

Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients since our firm first opened its doors back in 1993. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

Comments for this article are closed.