Essential tips to yacht safety

Yacht parties are boatloads of fun, but stay alert to keep safe.

There's just something about being out in the deep blue sea with the wind blowing in your hair, the views of the ocean coupled with the company of our friends and family, what more could one ask for?

It helps that it's not too hard to host a boat party, just call your friends, make sure you have an accurate headcount, then rent a yacht from one of the countless boat renting agencies in the city.

While we're all looking to let our hair down and let loose, it's essential to stay safe. Every unique party concept has its own quirks but, on a boat, you should return to land in one piece with nothing more than a new-found love for the ocean.

Prevent getting sick at sea

First things first, if you're prone to sea-sickness, be sure to avoid any food and drink that might not agree with you and sit in the lower level near the heart of the yacht which usually experiences less motion. If you feel sick, sit facing the direction that the yacht is moving toward and keep your gaze on the horizon or on any fixed point. Carry some over-the-counter motion sickness medication on your person to be extra careful.

Stay on board

A dip in the turquoise waters below is sure to be a temptation but it can be very dangerous, especially at night. Even if you know the area well, it is virtually impossible to tell what lies below the water's surface and chances are no one will be nearby to help in case of an emergency. Also, encourage your guests to know basic swimming techniques and wear a life jacket to prevent panic in case someone accidentally falls into the water.

Brace yourself

Even before booking a yacht, check the weather on the proposed date of your party. Being at sea isn't enjoyable if everyone's stuck in a small indoor space on the yacht because the weather isn't favourable.

Moreover, even if the forecast predicts clear skies, keep a watch on your phone's weather app and an eye on the sky for signs of darkening clouds, sudden drops in temperature, or rough tides and winds. If you notice any of these, it's best to hail back to land immediately. Additionally, make a pre-departure safety checklist, including but not limited to fire extinguisher(s), sea-sickness medication, first-aid kit, life jackets and life tubes.

Go flat

To all the women, do yourself a favour and skip the heels. While the boat moves with the tide, it's difficult to maintain balance in flat shoes, never mind in heels. The best option is for everyone to wear rubber-soled footwear so they have a firm grip on the floor.

And finally, stay safe and fashionable at the same time! Match your mask with your outfit, stay stylish, and sanitise often. Have a blast at sea and take the necessary precautions while blowing off steam after the tough year we've all had!