Safe Boating Checklist

June 7, 2023||inPersonal Insurance|boat safety, personal insurance

Being out on the water can be a lot of fun, but it also requires responsiblity and taking precautions to be safe. Whether you’re a new or experienced boating enthusiast, use this boating safety checklist to help you prepare and stay safe while afloat.

Arm yourself with swimming and boating skills: enroll in a swim course and boating course in your area.

Safe Boating Checklist
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711

Buckle up with a comfortable and properly fitted life jacket.

Install and maintain a CO detector in accommodation areas. Remember that you can be exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide both inside and outside the boat.

Watch the weather to prepare for local conditions and electrical storms. Water conducts electricity, so it is time to head to shore if you can see or hear a storm.

Communicate your trip details in case of emergency. Tell your plan to a friend on the mainland: who is on the boat, where you will be, and how long you will be gone.

Never operate a boat while or after drinking alcohol.

Remember to keep all boat maintenance chemicals in their original containers. Keep these, as well as medications, lighter fluid, bug killers, lamp oil and alcohol out of sight and reach of children.

Post the Poison Control Center number, 1-800-222-1222, on the boat and call its 24-hour hotline for any suspected problems or questions concerning carbon monoxide or other poison emergencies.

List CPR instructions and a local emergency number on the boat. Keep up-to-date on CPR procedures.

Maintain constant supervision of children, regardless of their swimming abilities or use of life jackets.

Do not swim or wade near a boat’s exhaust pipe, sit on the swim platform when the engine is running, or hold onto the deck while the boat is moving. Keep your boat a minimum of 20 feet from the nearest running generator or engine. Never, ever enter the enclosed exhaust vent area under a swim platform! Exhaust from boat engines can be deadly sources of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Source: National Safe Boating Council

Read Other Blog Posts

Murphy Insurance Team

27 Reasons to Work with Murphy Insurance Agency

For more than 88 years, Murphy Insurance Agency has been a trusted partner for families, individuals, and businesses across Massachusetts. As a family-owned and independent agency, we prioritize relationships over transactions, offering guidance and support tailored to your needs. With access to more than 25 top-rated carriers, we deliver personalized solutions, competitive options, and peace of mind. Discover 27 reasons why thousands have chosen Murphy Insurance to protect what matters most.
Read more
Personal Article Floater

What Is a Personal Article Floater—and Do You Need One?

Many people assume that their home or renters insurance covers all their personal belongings—but it's not always that simple. While these policies do offer significant protection, there are usually limits, especially when it comes to high-value or one-of-a-kind items. If you own something valuable, rare, or that you often take with you, you may want to consider adding a personal article floater to your coverage.
Read more
Home Fall Prep for Winter

Fall Into Home Prep: Smart Projects to Help You Avoid Winter Insurance Claims

Fall is the perfect time to tackle home maintenance projects before winter sets in. Use our seasonal checklist to protect your home, prevent costly damage, and keep everything running smoothly—inside and out.
Read more
Living room

Renting Out Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know About Liability and Insurance

Renting out your home—whether short-term or long-term—can provide extra income but also introduces legal and insurance risks. Before listing your property, it's essential to research local laws, use a clear rental agreement, screen tenants carefully, and ensure your insurance policy provides the right coverage. Taking steps like securing valuables, documenting your home’s condition, and staying accessible can help protect your property and minimize potential issues.
Read more
Ashley Pu Calderon and Wayne Texeira

Working with Co-op Students Yields a Mutually Beneficial Experience

As summer winds down and the next academic year approaches, we at Murphy Insurance Agency are both proud and a little wistful as we say goodbye to Ashley Pu Calderon, our most recent co-op student from Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. While we’re sad to see her go, we’re incredibly excited for her as she begins her college journey
Read more
College Students 1200

Headed to College? Don’t Forget About Insurance

Whether it’s freshman year or senior year, sending a student off to college is a big deal. Between class schedules, dorm shopping, moving day, and maybe a few emotional goodbyes, there’s a lot going on. With so much happening, it’s easy to overlook things like insurance. But here’s the thing: insurance should definitely be on your college checklist, because being covered can save you time, money, and major stress down the road.
Read more
Kitchen

Smoke Detector Maintenance: Keep Your Home and Family Safe

Smoke detectors are one of the most vital tools for protecting your home and family, but they only work if they’re properly maintained. In this post, we’ll cover how to choose the right smoke detectors, where to place them, and how to keep them in working condition through regular testing and battery replacement. A few simple steps can make all the difference in a fire emergency.
Read more
Life Insurance in Groton, MA Protecting What Matters with Murphy Insurance

Life Insurance in Groton, MA: Protecting What Matters with Murphy Insurance

For families and individuals in Groton and surrounding communities, life insurance from Murphy Insurance offers more than peace of mind—it provides a solid foundation for long-term financial security. Whether you’re safeguarding loved ones, covering debts, or planning for the future, our personalized life insurance solutions are designed to fit your goals and budget. From affordable term life to permanent protection and full-service planning, our Groton-based team is here to help you protect what matters most with trusted guidance, top-rated options, and local expertise.
Read more
Flood Insurance May Be Critical to Safeguard Your MetroWest, Massachusetts Home

Flood Insurance May Be Critical to Safeguard Your MetroWest, Massachusetts Home

Flooding isn’t just a coastal problem—it’s a growing concern across MetroWest, Massachusetts. Whether you live in Framingham, Hudson, or Hopkinton, you may be surprised to learn your home is at risk. Learn how flood insurance can help protect your property from the damage that standard homeowners’ policies don’t cover.
Read more

Visit Our Personal Insurance Page

Personal Insurance

Life is an ever-changing journey, and it deserves a thoughtful, comprehensive plan to protect the things and people that matter most. Our dedicated team at Murphy Insurance is here to assist you in creating that plan. With a wide range of product options at our disposal, we ensure that your plan is tailored precisely to your requirements. Our commitment to providing clear, intelligent guidance to help you achieve true peace of mind. Learn more about our personal insurance portfolio.