For some people, boating is a fun group activity and a great way to bond with family and friends. But for others, who are more introverted, it’s a perfect opportunity to get away from people and the hustle and bustle of their everyday hectic and noisy lives and enjoy the quiet calmness of Mother Nature around them and ponder deeply about life.

If you’re one of those who enjoy boating alone on a regular basis, you’re lucky to be able to enjoy that bliss. However, you might put yourself at risk if you’re going to the deeper waters of the ocean or if you go cruising down a river where you’re far away from civilization. You’ll need to be more aware and proactively careful to stay safe.

Risks Involved in Solo Boating

If you’ve been boating for a long time, there’s a good chance you’ve been boating in various conditions. Plus, you know your Quintrex boat so well like the back of your hand that you know you can operate it with your eyes closed. And in all the times you’ve been boating alone or with crewmates, you’ve managed to avoid any serious incidents or catastrophes. So, you might be thinking that you’re immune to danger, right? While it’s not uncommon for experienced boaters to have this belief, it’s always best not to get too cocky and practice precaution, no matter how long you’ve been boating.

Why? For starters, no one can help you immediately. Boating alone means you're totally alone and on your own and you can’t just scream for help and expect somebody to step in and help you right away. If you suffer from a medical event or become incapacitated, you will have a hard time sending an emergency flare or activate your VHF radio to call for help. If you get thrown overboard, there may be no one around to see you.

Second, as much as waterscapes and beautiful and serene, they are not always like that. They are unpredictable. Even if weather forecasts are available (and they are a great help, by the way), water conditions can still become dangerous even the weather is fine. And sometimes, the equipment you have on your boat might not be reliable to aid you in times of trouble. Even experienced boaters and sailors cant still make mistakes and have poor judgement. In short, There's simply no telling what risks or dangers might affect you.

It’s unfortunate that dangerous incidents and unpredictable but if you’re prioritizing safety whenever you go boating, all those risks can be mitigated. So, what can you do to practice solo boating safely?

Inform others where you’re going: Before you venture out onto the water, let someone know where you're going. Tell a trusted friend or relative where you will head to and what you intend to do. This way, if you don't return home at the expected time, someone can contact emergency services and begin searching for you. It's an important failsafe that might save your life.

Bring emergency supplies: Always keep your boat packed with emergency supplies, including a properly fitted life jacket, radio equipment, flares, extra clothes, extra food and beverages, and a first aid kit. These are important materials no matter how many people are in your boat, but they're even more important when you're by yourself. Run a quick check before departing to make sure these supplies are intact and still functional. Build confidence with using your communication systems, including your main radio as well as backup forms of communication. You should be able to operate these systems under stress and pressure, and you should be able to signal for emergency help if and when you need it. It's also helpful to have a satellite phone that can help you make contact if your primary VHF radio fails.

Check with the weather: It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading out. Inclement weather can be very difficult to deal with when you’re caught in the middle of it. If the weather is not looking too good, reconsider your trip.  

Don’t drink and drive: Avoid consuming alcohol or other mind-altering substances before or during your boating trip. These substances can impair your judgment and interfere with your ability to make rational decisions, so they’re best avoided entirely on a solo journey.

Use a kill switch: Most modern boats are equipped with safety stop lanyards that cut off your motor boat engine if disconnected, usually because of urgent circumstances.

If you're travelling at high speed, this is indispensable; if you're thrown overboard, the emergency switch will be pulled out and the boat's engine will cease.

Understand your individual limitations: Have enough self-awareness to understand your individual limitations. Don't try to do anything that exceeds your knowledge or physical capacity while you're by yourself. Don’t attempt with dangerous manoeuvers alone, especially if you’ve never tried it before. Don’t risk going to deeper waters or going to unfamiliar areas. You could get lost easily and it’ll take a hard time for others to come looking for you since you can’t provide them exact descriptions of your coordinates.

Another important reminder to keep in mind and should never be ignored is what your body is feeling. If you don’t feel so great and you feel your body is heavy or some of your body parts are aching, it’s imperative to stay home and cancel your boating trip. The last thing you want to find yourself in is to get in an emergency situation in the middle of the ocean with no one to aid you.

Wear your lifejacket when onboard at all times: It’s important to wear your lifejacket at all times when you’re alone. It’s literally your lifeline against all the unfortunate conditions you might go through.