Boating Season Is Back!

Fulfilling the Promise Since 1946

Boating Season Is Back!

Boating Season is BACK in San Diego!

Every summer, we receive calls from customers after a fun weekend on the water takes a turn for the worse. Often, these accidents could have been prevented with just a few simple precautions. As we transition from our may grey to our famous San Diego summer weather, below are a few saftey tips – courtesy of our partners at Safeco.

Don’t let an accident wreck your fun!
 
Life Preservers Aren’t Just for Kids. In the event of an accident it simply is not enough to just have life jackets on board — they must be worn! This rule applies to adults, not just children: More people in their 30s die in boating accidents than any other age group. Life vests have come a long way in style and today, vests are even available for your water-loving pets!
 
Alcohol and Boating Don’t Mix. More than 50 percent of drowning’s result from boating incidents involving alcohol. You should never drink and drive, so don’t boat and drive.
 
Boats Need TLC Too. When you’re out on the water, make sure your gas tanks are vented and bilges are free of vapors, oil, waste and grease. Carry a charged fire extinguisher. Have your boat’s operating systems checked yearly by a certified marine technician. The Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons also offer free vessel safety checks.
 
Experience Counts! The U.S. Coast Guard says that operator errors account for 70 percent of all boating accidents. Make sure anyone who drives your boat is properly trained. Boat insurance discounts are also available from Safeco and our other insurance partners for completing a safety course with the Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons.
Watercraft Insurance. Most home insurance policies have limited coverage for boats. If you own a boat, watercraft insurance is your best bet: These policies cover theft, damage, and injuries or accidents while you’re on the water, as well as some of your expensive watersports gear.
Sites for Additional Information:

Alvarado Pacific Insurance: www.alvaradopacific.com
Coast Guard: www.uscgboating.org
Coast Guard Auxiliary: nws.cgaux.org/
Safeco tips: www.safeco.com/insurance-101/consumer-tips/your-boat