Gear To Bring While Boating
Whenever one goes out on a jog, hike, camp out, or picnic, there are always essentials things that need to be brought. The same guidelines fly with boating, if you are only staying on the water for a day, or if you are staying there for a few days. There are a few essentials that you should always bring with you, and if you have them on the boat, they can save your life in a dangerous situation. If you are just out for a day on the water, many things mentioned in this article still apply because they will provide the greatest comfort for your day on the water.
The most critical thing to basic survival is water. Our Bodies are 55% to 78% water, and you can last anywhere from one to 3 weeks on H2O alone. So obviously, the most critical thing to carry on any boating journey is water, and a lot of it. The salt in the ocean wind can dry out your skin, and the sun’s rays coming down upon you also dehydrate you. By keeping well hydrated, one can prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion, and in the case of an emergency, death. Also bring enough nourishment for the number of days you think you will be out, plus one day. This will give you an extra meal if everything goes as planned, or a chance to save food in emergencies.
The sun’s rays fall down onto the earth 24/7. When we receive our 12-14 hours of summer sun, it is not hard to get sun burnt if you don’t bring the proper protection. Out on the water, the sun’s rays are made brighter, and may hit you at different angles making for a worse sun burn. Always make sure to bring along a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to reduce your chance of getting a sun burn, and defend your eyes from damaging rays. Also included in protection from the elements is a light to medium rain jacket. You may get stuck in a storm and there’s nothing worse than getting caught in bad weather on a boat while you’re not ready for it.
The final few things are the items that can actually save your life if need be. Life jackets are proven life savers in bad situations, because they can keep you floating if your vessel capsizes. A compass can tell you which bearing you are headed. Joined with a map and high quality binoculars like Nikon 12×42 binoculars, you are pretty much set for navigation. Marine air-horns and small mirrors can be utilized to signal to other vessel or helicopter and planes, and a pocket knife can be extremely versatile.
The article is short, but every one of these things is extremely crucial in its own way. Sun protection can stop dehydration along with add comfort. Water and snacks will provide you with the critical vitamins and minerals that you require to survive. Last but not least, signal tools and safety precautions are always a great idea. Some of these things may even save your life if you find yourself in an emergency, so when boating, always go prepared.