If an accident occurs on water you need to have a foolproof plan. Most people choose to watch birds, experience nature, and of course whale watch by going on an organised tour. Others prefer to travel around independently and borrow or rent a boat for that purpose, although not for whale watching.
Preparation
- Check your boat, if it leaks, if the motor is working correct, if the oars are in order and if there is enough fuel.
- Take your mobile phone with you or other type of telecommunication.
- Leave your travel plan with someone who can react if needed. This must include where you plan to go and how long you plan on staying for.
- Make sure to have the right clothing because even if the air temperature is pleasant, it won’t mean a thing if you fall overboard. With that in mind, be appropriately dressed.
- Weather forecasts are something you should always check if you’re going out on water or on a boat, for both long and short trips, as the weather in Iceland changes abruptly.
- Alcohol and sailing should not be mixed!
When sailing
- Everybody is supposed to wear a life jacket!
- The life jacket must fit and this is especially important for children!
- Children must never be left unattended near the ocean or lakes and of course never alone when sailing!
- If you are sailing on a oar boat be sure that your oars are secured so they will not float away!