You must be prepared with all the right clothing and equipment to sail safely at sea. Always tell someone where you are going.
Never set sail without a life jacket or a buoyancy aid.
- A buoyancy aid helps you stay afloat.
- A life jacket will support you with your face clear of the water if you are knocked out and unconscious.
- Many yachts have harnesses so you can attach yourself to the boat whilst sailing.
Always make sure your life jacket fits properly and wear it at all times on the water!
It is nearly always cooler on water than on land. Always take extra layers of clothing. Wear modern fleeces and thermals instead of bulky heavy jumpers.
Good waterproof clothes keep water and the wind chill out. Have these items on board so you are ready for all weathers!
- Waterproof trousers
- Waterproof jacket with a fleece underneath
- Waterproof gloves
- Warm hat or sun hat
- Non-slip boots
Remember:
Whatever the weather,
always put some sunscreen on.
Before you set off in your boat check you have:
Emergency water
Food
Life raft
EPIRB
Flares
Life jacket
Clocks
Waterproof torch
for signalling
Fire extinguisher
Compass
First aid kit
Passport
Chart
Binoculars
Global Positioning
System
Bilge pump
VHF radio
