A great way to enjoy a hot summer day is to head out on Lake Erie on a boat. Whether it’s with family or friends, boating on the lake is a great way to bond with your favorite people.
But that doesn’t mean that it can’t also be dangerous to be on a watercraft of any size on one of the Great Lakes. Below is some information that could potentially help keep you safer while enjoying a favorite summer activity.
File a float plan
Doing this can be as simple as letting a landlubber friend or relative know when and where you’re planning to put in and when you’ll return. That way, if something goes wrong, your chances of rescue are far greater.
Plan for weather events
This may sound like a no-brainer, but it can be easy to get caught up in the moment and “fun mode” when planning a boating trip. But it’s easy to prioritize safety by doing a few simple things:
- Check the marine forecast – You can do this by going to the National Data Buoy Center’s open lake forecast for Lake Erie. While storms can sometimes gather quickly, it’s always good to be prepared.
- Know when to hug the coastline – If you see signs of rain or coming storms, start heading for shore to beat the bad weather.
While these tips are good places to start for safety while on the water, the fact is that accidents can happen anytime on Lake Erie.
If you were injured in a boating accident out on the lake, learning more about your right to seek compensation from any negligent parties can be quite empowering.
