Keeping Yourself Safe on The Boat: Essentials For Any Fishing Trip
There is a lot that goes into planning for a fishing trip, and safety should be one of your biggest priorities. In this guide, we'll take a look at all the essential safety gear you should have on your boat so you can keep yourself and others safe while out on the water.
Heading out on the water for a fishing trip is one of the most exciting parts of Summer in the Midwest. It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the planning and excitement as you start thinking about that big catch your hoping to make. However, there is one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked in all of that planning - your safety on the boat.
Whether you’re a veteran angler or a rookie hitting the water, having the right safety equipment onboard is essential. That’s why we’re here to help. Let’s take a look at some must-have safety gear for your boat to keep you, and others around you safe as you enjoy the scenes of nature.
Personal Safety Gear
Lifejacket
The most obvious, and important piece of safety equipment is going to be a lifejacket. Every passenger on your boat should have one readily available and you’ll want to ensure that they fit properly. In the worst case scenario, these will be the biggest key to keeping everyone safe.
Sunscreen
Being out on the water for a long period of time means that you’re going to be exposed to the sun for a long time as well. Protecting yourself from severe sunburns and skin disease will be beneficial. Pick up a high-SPF sunscreen to keep yourself protected from harmful UV rays, so you can enjoy your time during the trip, and after. You’ll thank yourself later.
UV-Protection Gear
Along those same lines, you can also pick up some UV-protection gear like long sleeve shirts, gloves, and pants. These are made with a special fabric that can provide additional coverage and defense to keep your skin safe and even cool in the heat.
Hat
Wearing a hat will shield your face and eyes from the sun, keeping you a little more protected from the sun and saving you from squinting all day long. Look for a wide-brimmed hat that will provide maximum comfort all the way around your head and neck.
Sunglasses
Getting a good, sturdy pair of sunglasses will help your eyes stay protected from the sun’s UV rays, and from the bright reflection off the water. It’ll help your vision and keep your eyes safe throughout your trip.
Insulated Water Bottle
Keeping yourself hydrated is highly important, especially on those days when you’re in the sun for an extended period of time. It’s good to keep an insulated water bottle filled with ice and water on the boat so you have cold, clean water always available. There are some great options by YETI available that will do the job like no other.
Emergency Signaling & Communication Tools
Visual Signals/Flares
Keeping a set of visual signals like a flare on your boat for emergencies should be non-negotiable. These will help the attract attention of others should you ever be stranded or stuck out on the water far away from anyone else. You’ll want to keep these in a waterproof container so they don’t get ruined, and somewhere easily accessible.
Horn
A marine horn will also help signal others on nearby boats if you are in need of help. In low visibility conditions, this could sometimes be a better option than a flare. A loud horn blast will prevent any possible collisions and ensure that you’re heard when you need assistance.
Marine Handheld Radio
When you’re out on bigger bodies of water, communication is key. A handheld marine radio will allow you to stay in touch with other boats and even emergency services. If you’re in a situation where you need help, you’ll be able to get in touch with someone. If you plan on fishing larger bodies of water, this is a must-have.
Whistle
Much like a horn, a whistle is another great tool to use for communicating to others nearby. It’s a simpler option, with no need for batteries or power and can be used by almost anyone. While it may not be as loud as a horn, a whistle is still effective in being heard from a distance.
Handheld Mirror
Last but not least, is a small handheld mirror. This can be used to reflect sunlight to attract the attention of other boats or rescue teams. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and easy to store on your boat. Another great visual signaling tool.
Navigation & Location Tools
GPS
When it comes to navigating the water on your boat, nothing will get the job done like a GPS device. These will help track your location and route, and will help with getting you back to land once you’re done for the day.
Flashlight
If you’re fishing at night, or even very early in the morning, a waterproof flashlight should be in your boat. A flashlight will help with visibility not only on and around your boat if you’re looking for things, but it also doubles as a resource for being visible to others on the water as well.
Rope
A rope is a versatile tool with many uses that you’ll likely encounter on your boat. You can use a rope to secure your boat in place, tie down gear, or even for towing something along behind your boat. It’s an essential item that you might not think about at first, but will no doubt be useful at some point.
Paddle
Should your boat’s engine ever shut down, you’ll need to keep some paddles with you on your boat. They will help with maneuvering the boat manually, as you paddle your way back to shore. It’s simple and might require a bit more effort, but it will get you to where you need to be regardless of if you have power or not.
First Aid & Emergency Response
First Aid Kit
Much like a few other things mentioned already, a first aid kit is a non-negotiable boating item. Accidents happen, even when the waters are calm. A full first aid kit is crucial to treat small cuts or injuries whether they are simple scrapes or larger wounds. Even if you’ll need more thorough medical attention ashore, a first aid kit will help in the short term before then.
Throw Line
If someone falls overboard on your boat, a throw line will help with getting them back aboard and to safety. This is something you can grab quickly, and toss out to safely and efficiently pull them back to your boat. Whether the waters are deep or not, a throw line will be helpful for those emergency situations.
Buoy
A buoy can help mark your location in the water for safety during an emergency situation, or even just to mark a good fishing spot you want to come back to. They’re colorful and they stick out, so they’ll be easy to quickly spot and identify.
Miscellaneous Tools & Equipment
Pocket Knife
A good pocket knife is something that can be an awesome tool for a wide range of things on your boat. From cutting lines or packaging to preparing bait, your pocket knife will be a handy tool that will make many tasks more simple and quick. It also can be a quick help in some emergency situations.
Portable Battery Power Pack
In the modern world of electronic devices being everywhere, keeping a charged portable battery on your boat will be essential. With it, you’ll be able to keep your phone or GPS charged fully, ensuring that you’ll have both available for navigation and communication throughout your fishing trip.
Marine Fuel Container
Running out of fuel while out on the water is a nightmare scenario to be in. Having a fully-filled marine fuel container can help you resolve that issue. While you hope to never need it, you’ll be happy you do if that dreaded situation ever arrives.
Keeping all of these items stocked and ready on your boat will go a long way in ensuring the safety of you and your guests aboard for fishing trips. Being prepared for the worst beforehand allows you to focus on the fun of being in nature and trying to reel in the big catch.
You can shop Fleet Farm’s full selection of fishing and safety gear online at FleetFarm.com or at a store near you.
