How to Prepare for Emergencies & Hazards: Hall's Sport Center

At Hall’s we carry a full line of boating equipment, everything from bumpers to boat hooks, anchors, aluminum ladders, and marine antennas. Skis, sonar, and shore power cords. For the avid fisherman or woman we have low-tech fishing nets and high-tech fish finders! Among our most popular items are anchors, tubes, pontoon fenders and flares. And don’t forget the life jackets!

Always check the weather before going out on the water. Michigan is known for its changeable weather. Storms can come up quickly, and quickly make conditions threatening on the Great Lakes, as well as the inland lakes across the state.
Know the water temperature so you’ll know how long passengers can remain in the water while waiting for help or swimming to shore
Be sure all your navigational lights are working
Have a working marine radio and a cell phone to contact outside assistance if it becomes necessary
Make sure you have a fully charged and working fire extinguisher
If you are navigating large, open waters, be sure to have a current chart or map
If you have radar, be sure it’s working
Have enough personal flotation devices (PFDs) for each passenger
Carry flotation cushions and life rings
Keep flares on board
Have a fully stocked first aid kit
Keep towing lines and ropes, as well as a paddle, especially on a small craft
Be sure to carry some type of signaling device - a horn, a portable search light, a mirror, etc

Boating emergencies not only can happen to your watercraft, they can happen to your passengers, as well. If you’re going on an extended cruise with guests, it’s wise to be informed of any major medical conditions they’re dealing with. If any of their health problems are serious, it may be wiser to forego the trip, especially if weather conditions aren’t ideal.

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Information provided is reliable but not guaranteed. Give our boating experts a call to confirm if information applies to you and your specific model.