Summer isn’t too far away here on Long Island, and there is no better way to enjoy it than by hitting the open waters! Many property managers and rental property owners in Huntington, Smithtown, Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, and all over Long Island come back from a winter of snowbirding ready to hit the deck and soak up the summer sun!
Whether you own a boat or are renting one, it’s important to keep safety in mind when spending time on the water, especially if any alcoholic beverages are to be added to the mix. Here are some tips for enjoying a fun day out boating this summer without putting yourself or others in danger while you enjoy the beautiful Long Island coastline.
Tip 1: Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to forget how intense the sun can be when you’re out on the water all day. To stay safe while boating, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. This is even more important if you consume any alcoholic beverages! Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and confusion, which can put everyone on board at risk. Bring along a cooler with plenty of bottles of cold water so that everyone stays hydrated throughout the day.
Tip 2: Wear a Life Jacket
We know this one seems obvious, but if you’re comfortable out on the water or an experienced boater, it’s easy to forget the importance of your life jacket. No matter how good of a swimmer you are, it’s always best practice to wear a life jacket when out boating. Again, this is even more important if you are drinking. Even if you’re not swimming or engaging in any other water activities, it’s important to remember that alcohol impairs your judgment as well as your reflexes. Wearing a life jacket ensures that should you fall overboard or into the water unexpectedly, you will be able to stay afloat until help arrives.
Tip 3: Know Your Limits
Alcohol impairs your ability to think clearly and react quickly no matter what activity you are engaged in—including boating! Make sure that everyone on board is following their limits when it comes to drinking alcohol while on the boat. It should go without saying that operating a boat while under the influence is illegal (and unsafe). Additionally, be aware that certain medications can interact negatively with alcohol. To reduce risk further, assign someone who isn’t consuming alcohol as captain of your vessel, so they can remain alert at all times while driving the boat.
Tip 4: Be Prepared with All Necessary Equipment
Make sure that your boat is equipped with life jackets for everyone on board as well as flares, an anchor, a fire extinguisher, and other emergency supplies in case something happens while you’re out on the water. Also, bring along sunscreen and plenty of water to stay hydrated and safe in the sun.
Tip 5: Rent a Boat from a Reputable Company
If you don’t own a boat, make sure that you rent from a reputable company with good reviews in the Long Island area. They should provide boats that have all the necessary equipment for boating safely and have been inspected by the Coast Guard for seaworthiness and safety compliance. Also, check to see if they require renters to have any type of boater education certification before renting out their vessels.
By following these simple tips for keeping safe while boating this summer in the Long Island, New York, area, everyone on board will be able to enjoy themselves without putting themselves or others at risk. Boating offers an exciting way to explore the waters near our own homes in Huntington, Smithtown, Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, and all over Long Island—just make sure safety is always a top priority!
Enjoy a Stress-Free Summer with Help From PMI
If you’re a property manager or rental property owner on Long Island, don’t let the coming summer days pass you by while you’re dealing with the tasks of property management.
Let PMI Lighthouse take care of your Huntington, Smithtown, Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, Riverhead, Southampton, and East Hampton properties for you while you enjoy the summer sun and open waters.
Give us a call today at 631-600-3616 or visit us online to find out more about our full-service property management services!
