Memories that last forever: that’s what the holiday season is about for many. Holiday parties with friends and family that maybe you don’t get to see other times of the year, office parties where everyone gets to “let their hair down,” and more – the holidays can be a special time. We’re more than just folks who run a watercraft registration site, we’re vessel owners too. And as such, we can tell you that there’s nothing like taking your friends and family out on a winter boat ride. Incredible beauty that you don’t get to see any other time of the year – it can be so invigorating. However, it’s critically important to boat safely during the winter too.
Dress for the Weather
You wouldn’t want to go out in the cold without dressing warmly, and the same goes for when you’re on a boat. In fact, as the wind may be biting on the water, you may want to dress even warmer. An important thing to keep in mind, however, is that you stay warm while also being able to get a personal flotation device over your clothes. If you’re wearing so much clothing that you can’t wear a personal flotation device, that’s very dangerous.
Dressing for the Right Temperature
Additionally, you want to dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. As cold as the air temperature is, odds are that it isn’t as cold as the water temperature. Even if you don’t plan on going in (and perhaps, especially because you don’t plan on going in) dress for the water, not the air. You’ll be glad you did. Worst to worst, you’ll be plenty warm and toasty to better enjoy the boat ride.
If You Do Go In the Water
Few people are going to want to go swimming in almost freezing water, and with good reason: it can be dangerous. Even some of the best swimmers can go into shock in just sixty seconds. However, if you do find that you’ve fallen in the water, you don’t want to panic. If you think of it, seek out ways to increase your buoyancy. That may include huddling with others, it might mean moving your body so that your personal flotation device is keeping more of your body afloat. You always want to keep your head above water and where potential rescuers can see it. As with most things, if you stay calm, you have a better chance of success.
One Site for Watercraft Registration
A winter boat ride, while it may take some preparation, can be the kind of thing that people talk and think about all year long. To make sure that your vessel is properly registered all year long, go to our site. There, you’ll find all of the vessel documentation forms that you might potentially need. We even make it possible for you to renew your vessel documentation for multiple years, all the way up to five. We can answer any questions you might have about watercraft registration or documentation, and even walk you through a form if it would help. Just head over to our site or call (800) 535-8570.