One of the main ways you can ensure a fun day out in the lake is by knowing what safety tools to keep in a boat. In this post by Ace Hi Oil in Southlake, TX, we’ll cover what essential safety equipment you should pack for the next day on your boat.

We might still be a few months away from being able to take your boat out on a hot summer day, but it’s never too late to start preparing your boat for your next adventure. Having the proper safety equipment on your boat is essential for a relaxing day at the lake. That’s why we’ve put together this list of safety tools to keep in a boat so that you’re never without essential equipment.

Proper maintenance of your boat’s engine is essential to prevent malfunctioning. Ace Hi Oil at (817) 431-6664 for advice on the best products to maintain your vessel. Once you’re ready, visit AMSOIL’s online store to place your order.

Life Jackets and Throw Rings for Everyone

One of the essential safety tools to keep in a boat is enough life jackets and throw rings for every passenger. Every passenger should wear their life jacket in case they fall overboard. Throw rings or similar flotation devices are also essential in an emergency.

Navigation Tools

Having the proper navigation tools on your boat will help you quickly navigate big bodies of water. Using traditional techniques like celestial navigation is one way to go, but using tools can be a much more accurate way of finding your way. It’s a good idea to carry electronic navigation devices and a map and compass in case your electronic devices fail you.

Communication Devices

Another vital safety tool to keep on your boat is communication devices. Having functional communication devices that are fully charged, like a marine radio or cellphones, can be a lifesaver in case of emergency. Never leave without having a way to communicate with the shore.

Whistles, Flares, and Bells

Whistles, flares, and bells are an excellent way to bring attention to your boat from surrounding vessels in case of an emergency. Having them handy can help you get help much more quickly if your communication devices fail.

Call Ace Hi Oil at (817) 431-6664, or visit their online store to place an order on the top-quality products to maintain your marine engine like AMSOIL’s 10W-30 Synthetic Marine Engine Oil.

Paddles and Anchor

If you’re on a smaller vessel, you should consider carrying a set of paddles if your engine fails you. Paddles will give you enough propulsion so you can get back to dry land. On the other hand, make sure you have an anchor on the boat to help you stay in one spot if necessary.

Medical Equipment and Medicine

When on a boat, people can feel sick or get injured. It’s essential to have basic medical equipment and medicine on board to address these scenarios. Before each trip, ensure that the medical equipment is in good condition and that the medicine hasn’t expired. Some basics to carry are:

• Antiseptics, bandages, and gauze for wounds.
• Adhesive tape
• Scissors
• Seasickness medicine
• Antibiotic ointment
• Pain relievers like ibuprofen.

Fire Extinguishers

Being in the middle of a body of water doesn’t mean a fire couldn’t start on your boat. It’s a good idea to have a few fire extinguishers on board and ensure they’ve had the proper maintenance needed every few months. Learning how to use them is also crucial in case of an emergency.

Non-Perishable Food and Drinkable Water

Keeping enough nonperishable food and drinkable water on board is also important in case of emergency, as you could be stranded for a while until someone comes to rescue you. Being rescued could take a couple of hours or longer, depending on where you are, and keeping your energy up and your body hydrated is essential. That’s why you should ensure that there's enough for everyone on board. Keeping your energy up and your body hydrated is vital.

Other Useful Items

Lastly, other items can be helpful when on a boat. Things like aloe vera for sunburns, a lighter, towels, windbreakers and blankets for a cold night, and a change of clothes can sometimes be helpful for various scenarios. Remember that there’s no such thing as being overprepared.

Additional to knowing what safety tools to keep in a boat, remember to keep your engine in the best condition with top-shelf products. Call Ace Hi Oil at (817) 431-6664, or visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order on the best synthetic oil in Southlake.