BestieA pair of millennials sank a boat they were not qualified to operate and received $13,000 in donations to buy a new one, according to the Daily Wire News.
Nikki Walsh and her boyfriend Tanner Broadwell decided to sell all their possessions and live a carefree life by sailing from island to island on a 50-year-old sailboat. Unfortunately, their dream came crashing to an end because of their lack of sailing experience.
The two decided a year ago that they no longer wanted to be working stiffs and pay taxes. So they decided to buy a boat and sail island to island. They told the Washington Post that they couldn’t live their lives when they were working most of the day.
After the couple sold all their possessions, they bought the boat and spent $10,000 on repairs. Once the repairs were done, they embarked on their journey. But there were two problems; they didn’t purchase insurance and neither of them knew how to sail. So it’s no surprise that they sank the boat on the first day of their journey. So they decided to take to the Internet and ask for donations to help salvage the wreck.
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Not knowing how to sail can be forgivable. It’s dangerous, but not uncommon. But not purchasing insurance on a vehicle is not forgivable. This particular couple has not purchased insurance for their next trip yet.
forbis/shutterstock,comBoating Safety Tips. Whether you’re a new sailor or have years of experience, it’s always good to know/review boating safety tips. According to Discover Boating, the first tip is to always be weather-wise. Before embarking on a trip, you should always check local weather conditions. If you notice that the clouds are starting to darken and the winds are picking up, they suggest that you get off the water.
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Pre-Departure Checklist. Discover Boating recommends that everyone who is sailing on the boat go through a pre-departure checklist. That means going through fire safety and tips on how to fuel up. Going through the checklist is a good refresher in case people have forgotten.
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Pleasure Craft Operators Card. The PCOC is mandatory for anyone who is operating a pleasure craft with any type of motor. The person operating the boat needs to always have the PCOC on board.
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Always Use Common Sense. This is one of the most important things that every person on the boat needs to remember. Discover Boating states that common sense includes operating at a proper speed, keeping your vision clear at all times and also staying clear of large vessels and watercraft. You should also be mindful of buoys; they are there to keep you safe.
DarrylBrooks/shutterstock.comHave An Assistant Skipper. Always make sure that there is someone else on board who is familiar with every aspect of how the boat operates and every other boating safety tip. This is in case the primary navigator becomes injured or incapacitated. If that happens, there needs to be someone else on board that can get everyone on the boat safely to shore. It is also important to note that the assistant skipper must also have their PCOC.
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Have A Float Plan. Informing staff, family members or your local marina where you are going is a great safety measure. If something was to happen, you will want people to know the direction you were going. A float plan can include addresses, names, phone numbers of the trip leader, registration information and the boat type, according to Discover Boating.
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Have and Use Life Jackets. This may sound like a no-brainer, but Discover Boating states that the majority of drowning victims from boating accidents were not wearing their life jackets. Ensure that each passenger on the boat has a properly fitted life jacket, it can save their life!
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Do Not Drink and Boat. If you’re planning on having some drinks, save it for the land and after you’re finished boating. Being in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved, according to Discover Boating. The same rules that apply for drinking and driving also apply when you’re operating a boat. If you do plan on having alcohol on your boat, it must be docked and there also needs to be permanent sleeping, toilet and kitchen facilities on the boat.
wanshutter/Learn to Swim. If you’re going to be around open water, chances are it’s going to be very deep, so knowing how to swim would be a good idea says Discover Boating.
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Take A Boating Course. Experienced and new boaters should take a boating course so they feel more confident when they’re out on the water. Discover Boating explains that it’s always good to be prepared for every circumstance that might arise. You don’t want to be unprepared if a problem arises, it could be the difference between life and death.
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