Individuals living near the coast are never at a loss for fun. The nation’s 95,000 miles of shoreline offer abundant recreational opportunities such as swimming, surfing, snorkeling and parasailing. Another exciting activity is boating. Boarding a vessel and setting out on the open sea is a great way to have an adventure, explore the world around you and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Failing to prepare for a day on the ocean, however, can quickly sink your party’s spirits. Here are three tips to make a splash with your next boating trip.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Navigation equipment helps the ship’s captain find his or her way back to shore, but should a fast-approaching storm or electrical failure make that task more difficult, it’s advised to have visual and sound signaling devices and a satellite phone. Your party may be forced to spend the night at sea, and having emergency blankets and extra food and water will make it a more pleasant experience.

Fire extinguishers and first aid kits are necessary emergency items, as are life jackets and personal flotation devices. Finally, don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen. The sun is an excellent source of Vitamin D, but too much of it can harm the skin.

Pack Diving Equipment

From swimming with sharks to exploring coral reefs, there’s so much to see and do in the ocean, and no better way to do it than by diving. If you’re new to diving, just search online for scuba diving equipment for sale near me and stock up on the necessary gear.

Bring a Camera

Boating is a great way to make memories, and with a camera, you’ll never need to worry about forgetting breathtaking scenes like dolphins swimming alongside the boat or a whale cresting in the water. You may even want to invest in an underwater camera to record images of the aquatic life you encounter.

Boating is a great way to have fun, but not being prepared can leave you all wet. Be sure to pack these items before hitting the water.