Over the weekend, 13 people were rescued after a pontoon boat capsized off the coast of Anclote Key. Thankfully, everyone was all right.
Capsizing happens when a boat turns on its side or completely over in the water. “It can happen to anyone on the water, even the most experienced boaters,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent boat insurance agency.
While it is more common among smaller vessels, even large ones can flip. If the conditions are right, any boat can capsize.
It is best to be safe and prepared before going out on the water. Below are some tips to follow if you find yourself in the water unexpectedly.
Drowning is the biggest concern. If you do not have on a life vest, look for flotation objects such as seat cushions and coolers. Realworldsurvior.com even recommends stuffing empty plastic bottles inside your shirt. This will help you stay afloat, which conserves energy.
Always stay with the boat. “You are much easier to see with a boat,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency.
Boating magazine says, to retrieve as many supplies as possible, such as flares and extra flotation devices. Find anything that floats and tether it to the boat to create a bigger target or release it into the water to create a debris field, which also helps spotters.
A good practice before you head out onto the water, tell at least one person on shore where you are going and when you plan to return. They can alert the authorities if you have not returned around your designated time.
GreatFlorida Insurance offers boat insurance on a wide variety of boats from yachts, to Jet Skis. Additional coverage is available for fishing equipment and injury caused by an uninsured boater. Call 888-478-7801 or go online to www.greatflorida.com for a free quote. A local insurance agent will help you find affordable boat insurance to suit your needs.
