Boating Apparel - Funny T-Shirts

Boating apparel and funny t-shirts are two things you don't want to mix. T-shirts that say “Kiss My Bass” or “I was a jerk before _______” can be fun at work, if you work on the water. But in an accident, a t-shirt could get wet and cling to your body, trapping your arms in it up to your elbows or strangling you with its tight weave. And wet clothing won't insulate you from the cold, but will make it difficult for rescuers find where to grab hold of you.

In short, wet boating apparel isn't a joke. And if you're serious about safe boating, it's a good idea to invest in some that keep you dry and warm. There are many options and price points available for boating apparel these days. But what kind of gear should you get? If your budget is limited, you'll want to play it safe with basic styles and types of apparel. While more expensive versions such as wetsuits may be more comfortable, they're also very difficult to move around in while on the water.

For your clothing to be a safety asset, it must be comfortable and provide protection from the wind and water. Boaters in Florida or Maine will need different clothing than boaters in Washington or Alaska. And every season of boating has its own weather concerns as well. For year-round cruising, it's best to have several jackets that you can layer on as needed depending on the weather. It's also a good idea to have at least one foul weather jacket that can protect you when there is lightning in the area (if you don't want this type of jacket, opt for the next best thing: a traditional rain jacket).

What about other types of apparel? What if you're boating in a warm climate with no risk of ice or snow? Flip flops, shorts and tank tops are perfectly acceptable options for summer boating. And what if you plan to go saltwater fishing, deep diving, or snorkeling? A wetsuit is a must-have that will help to keep your body warm in the water. Wetsuits are not cheap, but they'll last for many years (and depending on how often you use them) and will save your friends and family's lives in case of an emergency situation.

What about life vests? They're also an important part of boating safety. Every person on board a boat must wear a life vest or a personal flotation device (PFD). And it's best to have every person on board wearing the same style so that their vests are compatible with each others'. In addition to comfort, make sure your life vest fits properly and has the right level of flotation for your body.

By Dana Knowles, Boating Safety Instructor, [email protected] Summer is just around the corner and many people will be embarking on boat trips that may take them into colder climates and more remote areas.

Conclusion

With summer in full swing and the boating season beginning, now is a great time to freshen up your boat safety plan. Take a few minutes to walk through this boating accident prevention checklist to make sure you're properly prepared for all situations. Remember, it only takes one accident to ruin your summer fun.