Fremont Insurance: Remember Safety Basics

Submitted by Fremont Insurance

Boaters look to the winter and spring boat shows as the indication that summer fun is just around the corner, a time when they can once again return to the waterways.

While it lasts for a quick six months, boating is still the highest ranking leisure activity in the state, according to a National Sporting Goods Association survey.

Michigan residents’ love of boating should come as no surprise, considering the unprecedented access that is available to the waterways. In addition to bordering four of the Great Lakes, Michigan also offers 11,037 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 700 access sites.

Each spring, boaters have a responsibility to be sure they are ready for a safe boating season. The best way to do this is to take a boating safety course offered through a number of different groups, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron, the Michigan Department of Natural Resource’s Law Enforcement Division, local Sheriff’s Marine Divisions and many Michigan boat dealers. Fremont Insurance and other companies will offer discounts to boaters who have taken a boating safety course.

Captains are responsible for everyone’s safety. Make certain the boat is adequately prepared for launch by inspecting the first-aid kit, emergency safety kit, tool box, two-way radios, bilge pumps and personal floatation devices. Many marinas organize a free safety inspection day with the Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron. Boaters are legally required to have certain safety items on board.

Boaters should also be sure to be weather-wise, watch for sudden wind shifts, lightning and choppy water that might indicate a storm, and bring along a portable VHF marine radio to check weather reports. Be sure to bring any extra gear you might need and always double check your equipment and supplies before heading out to open waters.

Also, remember alcohol and boating don’t mix. Alcohol impairs both your coordination and judgment. More than half of drownings resulting from boating incidents involve alcohol. You should never operate a boat under the influence.

One of the easiest safety tips to follow is also one of the most often ignored. Each year, many lives are lost that could have been saved if only the individual had been wearing a life jacket. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 90 percent of boaters who drown in an average year were not wearing their life jackets. Just having life jackets on board isn’t enough; new life jackets are comfortable, lightweight and easy to use and they can save your life.

MDNR reports show that through the years, boating accidents and fatalities in Michigan have declined steadily as boat registrations in this state have increased dramatically. Today there are more than 900,000 registered boats in the state.

Michigan boaters need to be commended on an admirable safety record, however, accidents still happen each year and because of that it is important you also take the time to review your insurance policy. Many companies write boat insurance, but not all companies have tailored programs specifically designed for every vessel. It’s important to know you are adequately covered not just for the hull and liability, but for emergency travel, emergency assistance, pollution liability with limits that meet the new federal requirements, personal property, auxiliary equipment and death indemnity which is life insurance for the insureds.

For more information on responsible boating, visit the Fremont Insurance Web site, www.fmic.com. Fremont Insurance is a Michigan exclusive company, insuring and investing in Michigan since 1876. They are Pure Michigan and offer products though 175 independent agents across the Great Lakes state.

Michigan Boating 2010 » Fremont Insurance: Remember Safety Basics