How often should you check your boat's safety equipment?

Checking your boat's safety equipment before every trip is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. Safety equipment includes life jackets, fire extinguishers, signaling devices, and first aid kits, among others. These items can be crucial in emergencies, and their condition can change rapidly due to factors like wear and tear, exposure to the elements, or accidental damage.

Regular checks before each outing allow you to verify that all equipment is in good working order and that nothing has been lost or misplaced since the last trip. It also gives you a chance to ensure that everything is up to date, including checking expiration dates on items like flares or fire extinguishers.

Relying on less frequent checks, such as once a month or only at the start of the season, increases the risk of discovering a problem when it's too late—especially if you venture out on the water unexpectedly or have an emergency that requires immediate access to safety gear. Therefore, a thorough inspection of safety equipment before every trip is the best practice for maintaining safety on the water.