BOATING SAFETY Brian Daubs

INTRODUCTION Dr. Brian Daubs, an American Veterinary Medical Association

member for more than a decade, joined Rockledge, Florida’s Animal Specialty and Emergency Clinic in 2013. Away from his veterinary practice, Dr. Brian Daubs enjoys aquatic activities such as scuba diving and boating.

There are boating safety tips that even passengers with no sailing experience can adhere to. For example, staying up-to-date on the latest weather reports is one of the most critical steps a captain, crew member, or passenger can take. Individuals should use the Internet and weather broadcasts to track weather developments up to the moment they leave the harbor, while more experienced sailors can keep an eye on rough waters and darkening clouds as a sign of unfavorable weather.

BOATING SAFETY Prior to departing from shore, passengers and captain

should provide both personal contacts and local marina staffers with a detailed float plan. A basic float plan includes times of departure and return for the trip, as well as a list of all the locations the boat intends to visit. More comprehensive float plans can include contact information for the crew and passengers, and a description of the vessel itself

Finally, it’s not quite enough to carry life jackets on a boat. Occupants should actually wear them. More often than not, if a boating mishap occurs, there simply isn’t time to bring life jackets out of storage.