Whether you’re spending the afternoon cruising Lake Travis or enjoying a full weekend on the water, every boater should have an emergency boat bag onboard. While everyone hopes for smooth sailing, unexpected weather, mechanical problems, or medical emergencies can happen when you least expect them.
A well-stocked boat safety bag – sometimes called a ditch bag or emergency boat bag – keeps essential supplies in one waterproof location so you can respond quickly if the unexpected happens.
Choose the right boat bag
The most important feature of your boat bag is that it stays dry and is easy to grab in an emergency. Look for a durable, waterproof bag with high-visibility colors, reflective trim, and enough room to organize your gear.
Store the bag somewhere that’s easy to access rather than buried beneath other equipment.
What should you pack?
Next is what to pack in your boat bag. Ultimately, these life-saving contents could determine your fate – a.k.a. the real meat and potatoes that will keep you alive and get you rescued. We’ve created a 15-item shopping list of the suggested items – including their function. While every boater’s needs are different, these are some of the most important items to keep onboard.
Emergency communication
- Personal locator beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) – These emergency beacons transmit your location to rescue authorities. While they’re especially valuable for offshore boating, many boaters appreciate the added peace of mind they provide.
- Charged cell phone in a waterproof case – Cell service is available throughout much of Lake Travis, making a protected phone one of your most useful emergency tools.
- Handheld waterproof VHF radio – Allows communication with nearby boaters and emergency responders if cell service is unavailable.
Emergency signaling
- Waterproof flashlight – Essential for nighttime visibility.
- Strobe light – Makes you easier to locate after dark.
- Visual distress signals – Depending on where and when you’re boating, flares or other approved signaling devices may be appropriate. Always follow current U.S. Coast Guard and Texas Parks and Wildlife requirements.
- Whistle or air horn – A simple way to attract attention during an emergency.
Survival essentials
- Drinking water – Pack several bottles of fresh water.
- Energy bars or emergency food – Choose shelf-stable snacks that tolerate heat well.
- First aid kit – Include bandages, antiseptic, gloves, pain relievers, and tourniquets.
- Prescription medications – Pack any medications that could become critical during an extended delay on the water, such as an EpiPen®, insulin, or blood pressure medication.
Useful tools
- Pocket knife or multi-tool – Helpful for cutting rope, making quick repairs, or freeing tangled gear.
- Extra rope – Useful for towing, securing equipment, or other unexpected situations.
- Spare batteries or portable phone charger – Keep electronic safety equipment powered if your outing lasts longer than expected.
Inspect your boat bag regularly
Make it a habit to inspect expiration dates on flares, batteries, food products, and medications quarterly to ensure freshness. Additionally, keep extra batteries for the electronic items in your boat bag.
Boat safely on Lake Travis
No one plans for an emergency, but every responsible boat owner prepares for one. Whether you’re launching for a quick afternoon cruise or spending the weekend exploring Lake Travis, a properly stocked boat safety bag is one of the smartest pieces of equipment you can bring.
At Northshore Marina, we encourage every Lake Travis boater to prioritize safety before leaving the security of a covered wet slip. A few minutes of preparation today can make all the difference when the unexpected happens.
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