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by Bertha Morales
We all like Water Sports, but safety in the ocean must be taken very seriously.
It’s easy to have fun while keeping safety in mind and there is a very simple recipe for this:
Follow the rules!
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Yachting or Boating can be a lot of fun and what can be more romantic than to be with your loved one in a yacht, enjoying your favorite libation prepared by an on-board attendant, or even on a small boat drinking a real cold beer right out of your own cooler. I know I can have a great time with any one of these two options. But remember, safety first, so keep the drinking to a minimum and if you drink, don’t drive.
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You may decide you want to get together with several of your coupled-friends, just the guys, or just the gals, and rent a nice boat to go on a day’s trip. Even if it’s just for a few hours and only bordering the coast, boating can be a lot of fun.
But even on short trips near the coastline, safety is of the utmost importance. So, if you are into recreational boating, or you are thinking about buying or renting a boat for the first time, here are a few organizations’ websites you might want to visit to learn about federal requirements and safety tips:
• National Safe Boating Council
• National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
• U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety
If you are a recent boat owner and are familiar with all the safety guidelines, you may want to ask yourself how soon will you have to have a vessel safety check and what you need to know and do. To learn about the required frequency your vessel should undergo a safety check and other pertinent information, you may want to visit VesselSafetyCheck.org.
Now what about other Water Sports?
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Canoes, Kayaks, and Rafts
Those who boat in small crafts such as canoes, kayaks and rafts should follow the same safe practices as any other small vessel operator.
Airboats
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and The Florida Boater’s Guide, airboats are designed to operate well in shallow water and marchlands, but their high center of gravity and lack of flotation make them susceptible to capsizing and/or sinking.
I have enjoyed going on airboats, and the key is finding a reputable company that has experienced staff offering safe and courteous airboat operation.
Wave Runners / Jet Skis
When operating a jet pump vessel, there are certain guidelines that must be followed and whether you own or rent a Wave Runner or Jet Ski, you are responsible for following these guidelines. Companies that rent these vessels go through the procedures to instruct their clients on how to safely operate them, but it is up to the individual to operate according to the procedures and all the instructions provided.
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Water Sports Companies
I had the opportunity to speak with Michael Wilson, owner of Key West Water Sports. He has been operating in Key West for 30 years and they were the first Water Sports company in Key West.
While chatting with Michael, I learned they require all their clients to watch a video in order to learn how to properly operate a Wave Runner or Jet Ski. And anyone under 21 is required to take a safety test before operating any of these vessels. Once they have passed this requirement, they are allowed to rent Wave Runners or Jet Skis, and they are able to do so for a year’s time with the ID card they’re provided, which certifies them as having received the proper training and passing the required test.
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There are different sets of instructions depending on the Water Sports or activity being done and Key West Water Sports’ staff follows all the proper procedures.
Michael agrees that taking all the necessary safety precautions is part of the secret to their success and part of the reason they are still running a very successful operation today, after 30 years in business.
Courteous attention towards their clients is also part of the success of this company. They understand the hospitality business and they offer a great variety of Water Sport activities and services.
Key West Water Sports offers complimentary premium beer, wine, champagne and hors d’oeuvres aboard their two-hour Catamaran Sunset Sail, they offer snorkeling trips, fishing and parasailing, as well as kayaks and hobie cats. And when you need to just get out of the water and you are ready to hit the streets of Key West, they have Bicycles and Scooter rentals.
Key West Water Sports is located in the beautiful Casa Marina Resort and Club and they cater to anyone visiting Key West. No matter where you may be staying, you may contact them to enjoy any of their Water Sports activities and any of the services they offer.
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Sebago, located in Key West also offers Water Sports adventures. The Island T’ing and Power Adventure are their most popular all day excursions.
The Island T'ing excursion includes catamaran sailing, snorkeling at the reef, kayak mangrove exploration, fresh fruit platters, homemade sangria, beer, wine, soft drinks and buffet.
The Power Adventure includes spirited sailing, snorkeling the living coral reef, wave runner, parasailing, water toys, banana ride, water trampoline, kayaking and it also includes buffet, beer, wine, and sodas.
As per Denise Harmon, Director of Sales for Sebago, they have a zero tolerance with the staff when it comes to making sure they provide good service and they are all well trained to provide proper safety. Instructions are offered with all their services and consumption of alcohol is not allowed for those jetskiing or parasailing.
I was able to enjoy their Champagne Sunset Sail and their staff was definitely very courteous and entertaining. Aside from the champagne, they also offered beer and sodas and Chico made sure those on the outside deck didn’t go thirsty throughout the excursion.
Sebago Key West’s sailings are done out of the Historic Seaport in Key West.
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To learn more about this and other companies offering Water Sports activities, as well as other travel information in your destination of choice, visit the Destinations page of our website.
Select your destination and find the links of tourism organizations where all kinds of travel resources and information may be found.
So whatever your activities, whether on water or on land – Think Safety First!
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