Emphasis on Safe Sailing
Summer is at its peak, and we are all spending time with family and friends in various activities, including sailing and water sports on the Sea of Galilee. In light of several recent incidents and accidents on the Sea of Galilee, we have decided to reiterate the emphasis on safe sailing, and also to remind you that water activities are fun and enjoyable but also dangerous, and it is important to adhere to all safety rules to avoid unpleasant incidents as much as possible.
Preparing the boat for water entry – Preparing the boat for water entry on land is very important in preventing problems that are harder to solve in the water, so it is important to identify the problem on land.
Plug – Some boats have one plug (soft boats) and some have two plugs (stem boats), it is important to remove the plug when exiting the water so that the bilges of the boat remain dry and clean, this way we can prevent corrosion in the engine and know if there are oil/fuel leaks in the engine.
Propeller integrity – It is important to check the propeller and its integrity.
Battery integrity – It is advisable to check before entering the water, in order to avoid descending from the trailer without power to start.
Fuel tank – Ensure that the fuel tank is full and sufficient for a day of sailing. (It is recommended to return to the trailer with the last quarter tank).
Engine integrity – It is advisable to check the integrity of the engine components (especially the hoses) and check the engine oil before entering the water, this check can prevent malfunctions during a day of sailing.
Carry drinking water
Emphasis during sailing:
You should sit only on the designated seats.
It is absolutely forbidden to sit on the engine cover or on the rear platform while sailing (a prohibition also recorded in the boat’s sailing license), such sitting is dangerous even during slow sailing! (also in terms of inhaling engine exhaust).
Small children – it is recommended that they wear life jackets at all times during the sail.
It is recommended to shut off the engine while people are getting in/out of the water and also whenever people are in the water near the boat.
It is important to have a responsible adult on the boat who can operate it in case of an emergency, even while anchored.
When getting out of the water back to the boat, it is important to ensure that all passengers are on the boat before starting it and continuing to sail.
When entering the water, it is always recommended to wear life jackets and not to stray far from the boat, especially when the wind picks up.
Do not overindulge in alcohol – there is no law that prohibits drinking alcohol while sailing, however, the skipper must always be in control of the vessel!
Be aware of the wind regime on the Sea of Galilee and when the wind starts to pick up near the shore (where you can go back to the trailer if needed).
It is recommended to sit in a balanced manner on the boat. Unbalanced sailing is also dangerous and also affects the performance of the boat.
Make sure there is enough battery power during extended standing (for your information, the biggest consumer on the boat is the sound system).
Beware! North of Kinneret Moshava, there is a shoal that is not visible to the eye, it is recommended not to approach the area.
Beware! The Sea of Galilee is shallow in the southern part (“The Island”) so be careful there too from an invisible shoal.
Tips for water sports:
It is always recommended to approach a person in the water from the right side for optimal visibility.
Try not to get close to other boats during water activities to prevent the risk of injury to those engaged in water sports (in our boat or other boats).
It is mandatory to wear life jackets in all water sports activities.
To remind you – it is prohibited to tow more than one surfer at the same time.
Have a fun, enjoyable, and safe summer vacation!!!
