Whether you're piloting a 40-foot sailboat or a canoe, the United States Coast Guard requires that every boat carry certain safety equipment. The equipment is not expensive or hard to find and may save your life in an emergency. Boaters who carry the standard safety equipment are statistically far more likely to survive a boating emergency than those who don't.
The Coast Guard requires that there be a personal flotation device for each person present on the boat. Although the Coast Guard does not mandate that the personal flotation device actually be worn, some state laws require them to be worn at all times when the boat is underway by children under a certain age. Most reputable marinas will be able to provide you with information on applicable state laws regarding personal flotation devices. Additionally, if a boat is more than 16 feet in length a personal flotation device that can be thrown into the water, like a life ring, is required by the Coast Guard.
Every boat, of all sizes, must have a whistle or horn. This noisemaking device serves to warn other boats of your presence and to use as a distress signal in case of emergency. Boats larger than 39.4 feet must carry both a bell and a whistle. The whistle must be able to be heard at a distance of one half a nautical mile. The bell must be at least 7.87 inches in diameter.
Visual distress signals for night time use, such as emergency flares, are required on all boats traveling coastal waters, the Great Lakes, and any connecting body of water that is more than two miles wide. Larger boats are required to carry a daytime visual signal as well. Besides flares, other visual distress signals include flags, flashlights, water dye markers, and smoke signals.
Boats larger than 26 feet must carry a Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher. Boats with no motors such as canoes or row boats and boats less than 26 feet that don't have permanent fuel tanks are not required to carry a fire extinguisher.
The Coast Guard recommends, but does not require additional safety items. These include a blanket, oars in case the motor is disabled, a bucket for bailing and a first aid kit. Other useful items include rain ponchos and a tarp or plastic garbage back to keep yourself and your boat dry in a storm.
Finally, the Coast Guard recommends filing a plan with a responsible party before you leave so that there is at least one person on land who knows where you plan to be.
Thousands of bicycle accidents happen on California's roads every year, ranging from simple scratches to traumatic collisions. While nothing can guarantee you won't get in a bike accident, safety equipment has been developed to prevent collisions as well as reduce the amount of damage if a bike accident does occur.
Some people choose a bike over an automobile to save money, others enjoy the exercise, and some simply love having the wind rush towards them; but nobody wants to be involved in a bike accident on California's roads.
Here is a list of safety equipment that will keep you out of trouble and protect you in case of a bike accident in California:
Helmet: It is required by California law to wear a helmet while operating a bicycle. When you purchase your helmet, make sure you get one that fits correctly. It should not be loose on the head and sit a couple finger widths above the brow.
Gloves: Gloves are highly recommended and can prevent injuries from bike accidents in a number of ways. First, if you're driving in California during cold weather they'll keep your hands warm so you have better control of your bike. Secondly, if you do get in a minor bike accident they will protect your palms from getting scraped by the cement.
Lights: Nothing at night can improve your safety as much as having active lights. To prevent bike accidents by increasing your visibility, the general rule of thumb is "brighter is better" (as long as it's within reason).
Reflectors: Reflective strips on your helmet, clothing, and bike will improve your visibility at night since it will shine whenever a vehicle's lights reach it. Although not as necessary as lights, this will increase your safety while biking in California.
Toe Clips: There are pros and cons to toe clips, but if you use them correctly they will help you avoid bike accidents. Toe clips are particularly useful because they prevent your feet from slipping off the pedal in poor conditions. On the downside, if you don't maintain them well or understand the technology, they may hold your feet in when you want out.
Many bike accidents happen in California every year because cyclists are not using proper safety equipment. While everything on this list is extremely important, the most vital tool for protecting your life is your brain. By using the right safety equipment and being smart while riding your bicycle, you will lower your chances of getting injured in a bike accident.
Both Kadence Buchanan & John Bisnar are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Kadence Buchanan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Science, Computers and The Internet and Public Relations. Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including , , and. Kadence Buchanan's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.
John Bisnar has sinced written about articles on various topics from Culture and Society, Family and Miscarriage. John Bisnar is a partner at Personal Injury Law Firm Bisnar Chase. The Bisnar Chase law firm has dedicated their practice to victims of serious injury due to, negligence and malpractice.Visit the main website at. John Bisnar's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.