Soon enough, the snow and blizzards will be gone and the sun will start to shine again. As many boat owners have been awaiting this time to bring their boat out of storage and get it back on the water, there are some safety tips that should be considered to ensure a safe season. Protect your investment with a New Jersey Boat Insurance Program and follow these recommended tips. Check the Weather Be mindful of the weather when venturing out on the seas. TV and radio stations can provide accurate weather forecasts so that you can plan your trip accordingly. Checklist Before you set sail, make sure your safety gear and essentials are on board. This includes life vests, life rafts, radio, water, proper attire, etc. Mark them off of a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything. Common Sense Basic safety practices should be followed at all times, no matter how obvious. According to Discover Boating, this means operating at a safe speed at all times (especially in crowded areas), staying alert at all times, steering clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn, and being respectful of buoys and other navigational aids. Float Plan Notify a family member or a staff member at your local marina of your plans so that someone knows to look for you if you don’t return. Information given should include the following: Name, address, and contact information of boat leader Boat information including make, model, and registration information Contact information of all passengers Safety Check the Vessel Many times, the US Coast Guard will evaluate the safety of your boat free of charge. Take advantage of this to determine any underlying safety issues you might not be aware of before going off into the water. At Tri-State Insurance Agency, we offer a variety of products to safeguard your assets. To learn more about our services, contact us today at (888) 990-0526. http://www.tsia.net/tips-for-safe-boa...