In retirement, senior boaters benefit from spending time on the water during the least busy days compared to weekends. Boating is a childhood passion for most that extends well into the 60s, 70s, and 80s. However, as we age, our vision, balance, and quick reactions decline, resulting in taking extra precautions to remain safe. Here are 8 tips to maximize senior boating safety. 

Wear A Life Jacket

No matter the age of the boater, a life jacket is fundamental in maximizing safety when boating in salt or freshwater. 

Today’s technology allows boaters to wear inflatable life vests compared to bulky zip-up or clip jackets that get in the way. 

Seniors must wear life vests at all times in the event of an accidental slip or fall overboard into the water. 

Check out the Absolute Outdoor Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket. 

Don’t Go Alone

We have all seen it on the news; a person falls overboard while boating alone. Nobody else can resume operation for rescue; instead, the boat drifts in the opposite direction. 

Seniors must always boat in pairs to reduce the risk of slips and falls inside the boat or over the side. Ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to join you for a day on the water. An opportunity to spend time on a boat is hard to pass up by most. 

Slip Free Shoes

Shoes are critical to remaining safe while boating by preventing slips and falls. Remember, we want to make our best effort to avoid failing while boating.

Seniors must select a quality pair of marine shoes with soft rubber soles to improve traction while reducing slips during wet conditions. 

Proper shoe selection significantly increases boating safety for senior boaters. 

Avoid Boating At Night

It is hard to pass up the opportunity to view the shoreline from a different perspective after sunset. The lights along the banks are a sight to be seen. 

To maximize senior boating safety, avoid boating at night. With age comes reduced vision and confusion, resulting in dangerous situations, including striking objects or running aground. 

Save the boating for the daylight hours when visibility is maximized compared to the dark of the night. 

Use Caution Entering And Exiting The Boat

One of the riskiest propositions for both young and old boaters is entering and exiting the vessel while secured to the dock.

Boats are subject to pushing feet from the dock, rocking from passing boat wakes, or slippery from dew and rain. 

We recommend pulling the boat in tight and using extra caution when entering and exiting the vessel to avoid slips and falls. All too often, falls lead to striking the head and losing consciousness. 

Refresh Your Knowledge On The Rules Of The Road

Despite being an avid boater for numerous years, remain current and sharp on the navigational rules. 

Improper navigation results in risks of collisions with other vessels or running aground. Reacting rapidly by understanding how to handle crossing, passing, and overtaking situations maximizes safety for you and your passengers.  

Pay Attention To The Temperatures

Whether boating in the heat or cold, extremes on either end add stress to seniors’ bodies. 

Hot Summer Months

During the heat of summer, there are many factors to remain cool despite sweltering temperatures and intense sunlight. 

We recommend wearing breathable UV protective clothing which covers the chest and arms in addition to a wide brim hat. The combination of the two deflects UV rays compared to absorbing them into the body. 

A second effective method to beating the heat is remaining hydrated. Pack ample bottles of cold water or sports drinks to replenish what was lost by sweating. 

Cold Winter Temperatures

Despite the winters of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina remaining mild, bitter temperatures take hold periodically.

When the forecasted temperatures are in the 40’s or below, we recommend staying home and picking a better day on the horizon. 

The combination of wind and cold increases stress on senior boaters. With the combination of these conditions, remember to dress in layers. 

Use these layers as a guideline to remain warm. Wear a loose-fitting T-shirt, long sleeve T-shirt, sweater or hoodie, and windbreaker jacket. Regarding pants, wear jeans or khakis and don’t forget hats and gloves. 

Avoid putting yourself at risk of falling overboard as swimming becomes challenging due to the weight of clothing. Remember to wear a life jacket. 

Ensure Proper Boat Maintenance

Senior boating safety is heavily impacted by ensuring the watercraft is maintained correctly. Improper maintenance or failure to perform routine engine work leads to unexpected operational issues. 

Reducing the likelihood of mechanical malfunctions relies heavily on following the maintenance intervals defined by the manufacturer of the vessel and engine. 

Failure to maintain control of the boat or loss of engine power presents a dangerous situation. Seniors attempting to diagnose issues risk falling overboard due to reduced stability or are forced to deploy the anchor while waiting for help. 

We recommend paying the annual fee for a towing service in an unexpected event. Two of the most respected marine towing services include TowBoatUS and Sea Tow. 

Follow These 8 Senior Boating Safety Tips 

Look at the most significant positive of senior boating, which is avoiding weekend warriors by having the opportunity to select the weekdays versus weekends. Additionally, glance at the weekly forecast and choose the ideal boating conditions. Follow these 8 senior boating safety tips to enjoy boating without incident well into retirement.