What Safety Gears to Carry When Sailing?

Keeping safety tools handy is a pre-requisite foron board and a minimum of one throwable
sailing. Sailing without the necessary hardware andfloatation device. Make sure that these gears are
safety gear can hinder your enjoyment of theCoast Guard approved.
sailing experience. Even if you're planning on• First aid kit fully stocked with antiseptic,
renting a boat which comes with basic gears, it isvariety of band aids and bandages, medical tape,
always better to keep additional gears handy. It istweezers, scissors, analgesics, protective gloves,
always helpful to take care of the detailsinstant cold compresses and CPR mask.
beforehand whether you're a first time sailor or• Hats which will protect you from the sun and
an expert one.also fit enough to stay tight during high winds.
Here are a few items which you should include in• Sunscreen with high SPF, Chapstick,
your sailing gear shopping list -sunglasses for protection from the sun.
• Open-fingered gloves which will be very• Sailing Knife with an attached marlinspike or a
helpful while sailing on a windy day.straight blade knife with a separate marlinspike.
• Wet suit in case you fall into the water during• Needle-nose Pliers to tighten or loosen shackle
high wind or chilling weather.pins, cut electrical wire, or change cotter pins in
• Gloves and dry suit during winter sailing.your sailing rigging.
• The common accessories for sailing would• Mini Light with Night Lens which is small
include regular thin or warm clothes, specialenough to fit into the palm or your hand.
footwear, sunglasses and gloves. The only• Full set of spare batteries.
problem that these items have is the fact that• Small line or sailcloth strips in case you need
you have to buy the right fabric that can ensuremore line to lash the headsail to the lifelines or for
your safety and comfort at various weatheran extra tie for a furled mainsail.
conditions and temperatures. As with any outdoorApart from the things listed above, you should
activity, the heat, wetness and cold happen to becarry sufficient drinking water as you may get
the primary challenges that come with sailing.dehydrated quickly when sailing. Also carry digital
• Special footwear like dinghy bootswatch, towels, change of clothes, snacks which
• Hand compass to navigate without the risk ofincludes instant energy suppliers like nuts, energy
collision.bars etc.
• Radio to help you communicate with theFinally, make sure to choose your sailing
shore or other vessels and also to get regularequipment sensibly and only of top quality for
weather updates.your safety.
• Personal floatation device for every person