aid kitchen
Aid Kit
Do you have to have a First Aid kit on a boat?
We are in the process of outfitting our new boat with all of the required safety equipment for a 24′ Power boat. We are on an inland lake, bay and river in California. The store employee told us we needed to have this First Aid kit which was $80. Do we have to have this? We got a shopping list of the USCG required items, but not first aid kit is on that list. I know it’s a good idea to have something, but we’re thinking of only a basic kit from Costco to save money.
While a First Aid kit is not part of the “Mandatory” items on board, it should be! Injuries and cuts occur all the time. I’ve seen the kit in Costco and it should be fine for day boating. But if you ever plan on extended boating, I’d get the better kit. I carry First Aid kits on all three of my boats. The good thing with the bigger more elaborate kits is that it also includes a first aid manual to even do stitches while waiting for help if far from help. Even though most boaters will never need it, a first aid course that includes CPR and severe injuries course is a good thing to have too. You may never need it, but it could save a life on land or on the water anywhere.
First Aid Kit – “Hard Believer” – SXSW 2010 Showcasing Artist