With the recent boat accident which claimed the lives of Nollywood actor Jnr. Pope and four others at Anam river, in Anambra State, it is important to know the safety tips to prevent boat accidents.
Newsclick Nigeria highlights some safety tips which includes:
1. Make sure all passengers wear life jackets that fit properly
When an accident happens, there’s rarely time to reach for stowed life jackets, so make sure your passengers wear them whenever the boat is in operation. Today a wide variety of lifejackets are available, with many being thin and flexible. Some life jackets for adults are inflatable and can be worn like a scarf or fanny pack until hitting the water, when they automatically fill with air.
2. Don’t drink alcohol while operating the boat.
Not only is drinking and boating against the law, but it also risks the safety of everyone on board.
3. Have the proper safety equipment on board.
At minimum, make sure you have a fire extinguisher, flares, navigation lights, a sound-producing device (such as a whistle, horn or siren), a first-aid kit, an anchor and a life jacket for every person on board.
4. Watch weather and water conditions carefully.
Always check the weather forecast before going out on the water.
5. Maintain a safe speed.
Just like on land, you can face fines and penalties for speeding on the water. Plus, there aren’t “lanes” on water, and various types of watercraft zig-zag all over the place, which can make it more challenging to avoid collisions. Make sure to obey speed limits while you’re boating, and take any curves or turns with excess caution.
6. Don’t overload your boat.
It’s important to follow your boat’s capacity restrictions. Having too much weight on board, whether from passengers or equipment, can cause your boat to become unbalanced and risk capsizing.
7. Protect yourself with boat insurance.
Even when exercising extreme caution, an accident can still happen. Make sure you’re covered with boat insurance, which can protect you from damage to your boat, injuries to your passengers, or your liability if you’re involved in a boating accident with another vessel