No matter where you are sailing, the best way to guarantee a good time is to put safety first. While sales of boats rocketed to record highs in the past 12 months, the number of boating accidents and deaths also rose sharply.
This is partly because many first-time boaters have not been taking appropriate measures to keep themselves and their passengers safe. One of the most important safety tools that every vessel should have is an inflatable life raft.
A lift raft is a simple, affordable tool that can be easily stored and used to save lives in virtually any marine environment. If you’re looking to buy your first emergency life raft, here are the key things to keep in mind.
Consider the Waters
When choosing life rafts for boats, the most important consideration is the type of water you will be sailing on. If you are only sailing on enclosed, still water such as a lake or pond, then a simple life raft will do the trick.
However, if you are sailing on the open sea or areas with rapids, you should invest in a heavy-duty, self-inflating life raft. You can click here for more guidance from the boating community on how to adapt to the water you are sailing on.
The Capacity of Your Inflatable Life Raft Matters
With life rafts, size matters. If you regularly take large parties out on your vessel, a single 4-person life raft is not going to cut it.
Make sure that whichever life raft you choose has enough capacity to carry everyone you would normally have aboard your ship. Ideally, you should consider buying additional rafts to make sure you have enough emergency capacity.
Does it Have Oars?
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised. Many of the cheaper inflatable life rafts do not come with oars.
Without oars, you might struggle to get very far in an inflatable raft. Make sure you have oars and buy them yourself is necessary.
Make Sure to Include a Pump
In a serious emergency where your vessel is taking on water, you do not want to be stood on deck furious trying to blow up a life raft with your mouth.
You need to be able to inflate your life raft in a matter of seconds to ensure the safety of everyone on board. This is why it is imperative to choose a life raft with a pump that allows you to automatically inflate in a timely fashion.
Do Not Cut Corners
Finally, remember that a life raft is one item where you should not be seeking the cheapest option. You might never use it, but you’ll want to be using the best one possible if it ever comes to that.
Following the advice laid out above and invest in a high-quality life raft with all of the features that you need to keep you and your crew safe.
More Tips for Safer Travel in 2021 and Beyond
You might not think an inflatable life raft is that important. However, when you need it, you really need it. By following these tips, you can ensure that you get the right life raft for yourself and your family the first time around.
Now that you know how to buy the perfect inflatable life raft, you can ensure smoother sailing the next time you hit the seas.
For more advice that will help your next voyage go off without a hitch, we have got you covered. Make sure to consult our daily travel and lifestyle guides for tips you can trust.
