Safe Boating With Your Pet

Today, more and more boaters are bringing their pets on board for a day on the water. Boat captains need to stop and think about a few simple steps that will ensure they and their pets have a fun, safe boating experience this upcoming Labor Day weekend.

Pet Safety Lady recommends the following steps for safe boating with your pet:

•  Take things slow if it is your pet’s first time on the boat. Let him/her adjust to the movement of the boat and the sound of the engine.
• Always consider a Personal (Pet) Flotation Device. Most have a handle on back to easily lift your pet out of the water.
• Provide better footing with a piece of carpet or rubber mat (considering that your pet is not wearing boat shoes).
• Check the deck’s temperature often. Deck surfaces can get quite hot on your pet’s footpads.

“Although it is important to take the appropriate steps to make sure your pet is safe on board, it is equally important to make sure that you and your family are safe as well this holiday,” said Allstate New York spokesperson Krista Conte.

According to Allstate’s Boat Safety brochure, here is the boater’s checklist:

• Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when boating.
• Don’t use an inflatable toy as a substitute for a PFD.
• Never drink and boat.
• Pay attention to weather changes. Head for shore when winds increase or storm clouds roll in.
• Always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.
• Be aware of exhaust emissions. Avoid areas where carbon monoxide collects in and around your boat.
• Follow Red-Right-Running: keep red buoys to your right (starboard) and green buoys to your left (port).
• Take a boating safety course from an expert organization.

In addition to safeguarding yourself and passengers, your boat is a valuable investment that should have an up-to-date boat insurance policy.

To learn more about Allstate’s boat insurance, New York customers can contact a local Allstate agent at 1-800 Allstate or http://www.allstate.com/.

ABOUT PET SAFETY LADY

“Pet Safety Lady” Christina Selter, the founder of Bark Buckle UP, has been featured on more than 250 news network shows nationwide over the past few years, as well as in print and on radio. She travels the nation teaching pet safety to pet owners, and her efforts are supported by fire departments, police, Coast Guard and EMT personnel. She recently produced the free pet safety class DVD series, that was filmed in her first national pet safety television commercial. She is currently producing a pet safety PSA for 2010. For more information, please visit www.barkbuckleup.com and www.petsafetylady.com.

Reprinted with Permission
From Allstate Insurance