Boating is one of the most popular hobbies in the country. At the same time, it presents unique dangers and risks.

In fact, the fatality rate for boating is 5.9 deaths per 100,000 vessels. This rate represents an 11.3 percent increase from the prior year. The United States Coast Guard responds to nearly 4,500 boating accidents each year.

A boating accident poses grave injury risks to riders and innocent bystanders alike. In addition, an accident can result in thousands in financial damages.

Given these facts, it is clear how important safety is. Read on to learn how to sail safely. Explore tips for beginners on how to sail in a storm.

Take a Boating Safety Course

Most states require that boat owners apply for a license and take an education course. There is a heavy emphasis on safe boat operation in this class.

Here, you will learn about the rules of the road and how to avoid collisions. This includes an introduction to basic boating techniques.

You will also review a safety checklist including which items you should have on the boat at all times. This safety checklist captures items like life vests, flashlights, and communication equipment.

Failure to adhere to safety norms may be considered negligent in a court of law. Legal groups like The Adams Law Firm are certain to pursue boat owners that act negligently and injure a client.

Rig the Boat

Before you take off, you need to rig the boat. This is the process of putting up the sail and making other necessary preparations. The three main components to rig are the halyard, mainsail, and jib.

As a beginner, it is important to rig the boat before sailing. This way, you can place your focus on rigging instead of navigating and steering.

Take Boating Lessons from an Experienced Sailor

The next step in the process is taking sailing lessons from an experienced teacher. Here, you can learn basic sailing terms and the different parts of the sailboat.

In addition, a professional instructor can show you how to steer and navigate a sailboat. This tutelage includes lessons on how to respond to dangerous conditions.

For example, what is the protocol if one of your guests falls overboard? Your instructor will teach you about crew-overboard (COB) maneuvers. They will also explain how to navigate storm conditions and recover from a capsized boat.

Dock the Boat

Now that you're ready to return from the water, it is time to dock your boat. This is an important safety step.

In some cases, you will drop anchor to stay in a certain location. If you fail to properly secure your sailboat, it can float away and cause property damage or get lost.

A Recap of How to Sail

Sailing is a fun and exciting hobby. There are few things that feel more exhilarating than the wind hitting your sails.

However, safety is a paramount issue for sailors. Make sure to take the proper safety courses and learn how to navigate your sailboat.

If you are learning how to sail, make sure to check out our weather report and avoid any potential storms.