Boat First Aid Kit Reviews: Find Your Perfect Onboard Safety Companion

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Keeping you prepared on the water – Boat First Aid Kit

The ocean holds an endless expanse of adventure for boaters.

Tranquility, freedom and fun are all on tap for the taking…

But every seasoned mariner knows that even the most benign outing can run into unexpected challenges.

After all, the ocean has many moods, and is quick to change her mind in an instant, even in isolated and nearshore waters.

While it’s easy to get lost in the promise of the thrill of adventure and fun, it is crucial to be prepared for any unforeseen emergencies.

That’s where having a reliable boat first aid kit comes into play.

A boat first aid kit is your first line of defense against the unexpected as a boater.

It provides all the necessary tools to help you take care of the minor mishaps that happen onboard until you can get back to shore or are helped by emergency responders.

In this guide, we have researched and present the top options available for boaters today online with respect to the best boat first aid kits.

The selections that we present on this list provide boaters with boat first aid kits that include all of the tools that are needed for an emergency situation on the water.

Whether you are a seasoned sailor, or just starting off on your adventures on the water, the following product highlights are designed to help you make an informed decision for your boat’s first aid kits.

We invite you to browse the following list of products and select an option that can help to be your onboard safety companion.

Both you and your guests will be grateful that you have one of these onboard your vessel in the unlikely event that an emergency situation arises on the water.

Now, let’s dive into the top picks for boat first aid kits!

Top Compact Waterproof First Aid Kit

Survivewear Waterproof Compact First Aid Kit

What are some of the reasons you might need a boat first aid kit?

As you can see in the above list of boat first aid kits, choosing the right first aid kit for your boat can be a challenging task when faced with all of the options available online. 

Aside from simple cuts and scrapes, there are a number of reasons why you may need a first aid kit on board your marine vessel. 

Some of these reasons include:

Safety Precautions: Unexpected accidents can happen at any time on the water. Having a first aid kit with the necessary equipment to assist until you can reach the shore or first responders is critical on board any boat. 

Accidental falls: On the water, rough waters, sudden waves and unexpected movements of the boat are common. This can lead to accidental falls that require basic medical attention. Having a comprehensive first aid kit allows boaters to treat these minor injuries on the water instead of having to rush back to the harbor. 

Cuts and Scrapes: Not everything on board your boat is smooth. Cuts and scrapes happen from time to time on the water. A first aid kit helps Captains and crew tend to minor injuries effectively without the need to call in emergency assistance. 

Burns: Boat engines can cause unexpected burns. This is where first aid kits with burn gels, bandages and gauze can come in handy as boaters are treated easily and quickly with these critical supplies held in any first aid kit. 

Motion Sickness: Many guests onboard your boat will have issues with motion sickness, or sea sickness. Some first aid kits feature medications and solutions to address motion sickness and nausea. 

Bites & Stings: Jellyfish and other marine life can cause injuries that require medical attention. A comprehensive first aid kit can help boaters by providing a first line of defense against these injuries on the water. 

Sunburn and Heat-related injuries: One common thing about boating is that you are usually exposed to sun exposure. This sun exposure can take its toll on your guests creating sunburn and heat exposure. A first aid kit that includes sunburn gel, and other equipment can help your guests with recovery time and more intense conditions like sun and heat stroke. 

Isolation on the water: Often times boaters are isolated and far from immediate medical attention. One of the primary reasons for a quality first aid kit comes down to being able to treat minor injuries effectively while on the water, isolated from the shore and proper medical attention. 

Local Regulations: Aside from the medical help provided by first aid kits, in many locations having a quality first aid kit that is USCG-approved is a regulation for boaters. Always be sure to check out the requirements for your local boating rules to ensure that you have the right equipment on board.  

Critical First Aid Equipment for Boaters

Boaters have unique demands on their hands with respect to what is needed in an emergency situation on the water.

When shopping for a new boat first aid kit, here are some highlights of gear you may want to look out for to help you choose the best kit for your needs.

Bandages and Band-aids: While this is a standard piece of equipment in first aid kits, it’s essential to make sure that any kit you choose comes with a variety of bandages in various sizes, shapes and functions.

Medical Adhesive Tape: Used to secure bandages and dressings, medical tape is critical for any boat first aid kit. Tapes vary in strength and quality so be on the lookout for a tape that is easy to cut, or rip, and that adheres even in wet conditions.

Sterile Gauze: Used to provide dressings for cuts and scrapes, sterile gauze is critical for any minor injuries on boats. Like most things, gauze comes in varying qualities. Choosing a first aid kit with quality, thick gauze not only helps boaters but can perform better for injured parties.

Antiseptic Wipes, Gel, or Solution: Used to help clean and disinfect wounds, antiseptic wipes, and solutions are a great help for boaters on the water. They provide essential cleaning of wounds in marine environments to help lessen any infection risks.

Scissors or Shears: A great multi-purpose tool on any boat, shears are critical in any first aid setting on the water. They can be used for cutting tape, gauze or other critical pieces of medical equipment, and are very multi-functional in any marine setting.

Tweezers: Splinters can happen on any adventure on the water. Choosing a first aid kit that includes tweezers provides a great solution to grab anything little on the water when needed.

Ace Bandages: Ace Bandages, or elastic bandages, are used to provide support for strains, sprains and other ailments. They can also be used as a makeshift tourniquet.

Instant Cold Packs: Minor injuries can cause swelling. Instant cold packs help reduce swelling on the water and can help to soothe other injuries. They act as a great multi-faceted medical tool in marine situations.

Disposable Gloves: Gloves are obviously used for a variety of situations on the water. They assist with providing quality first-aid care while protecting caregivers.

CPR Masks or Faceshields: In the event of a more serious emergency CPR may be needed on board your vessel. In a situation like this, a CPR mask or face shield can help protect caregivers while providing the injured with quality care.

Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like aspirin and ibuprofen are great tools for any minor injuries. Providing temporary pain relief, these tools can assist boaters with temporary treatment for pain while on the way back to the dock.

Burn Gels: With engines and other moving machine parts on any boat, the risk of minor burns is very real. Burn gels provide an immediate solution to help the injured manage burn pain until emergency responders or critical hospital care.

Allergy Medications: What if someone on your boat has an allergic reaction? Having allergy medications on hand in a first aid kit can provide instant, temporary relief for anyone going through an allergic reaction onboard your vessel.

Eye Washes: In an instant, someone can get something in their eye on the water. Having an eye wash in your first aid kit is an effective way to help clear any intrusions in the eye safely and easily.

Thermometer: Having an elevated temperature on a boat can mean the need to return to the dock immediately. Making sure your first aid kit has a thermometer on hand can help you monitor body temperatures on board in a breeze. 

Tourniquet: Tourniquets are used in emergency situations to help control blood flow and blood loss. Having one in your first aid kit can make the difference between life and death in a marine emergency. 

Knife: While having a knife onboard is critical to any boating excursions outside of first aid kits, it is another important piece of equipment to consider. 

Compass: In a true marine emergency, knowing the direction back home can make all the difference. Emergency kits that include a compass provide boaters with a fail-safe way of making sure they are heading back in the direction of their home port. 

While there are plenty of other options for equipment that is critical to boaters in a first aid setting on the water, these are some of the primary and essential pieces of equipment to consider. 

Boat First Aid Kit Buying Guide

As we’ve outlined in the products and information above, having a robust emergency first aid kit onboard your vessel is a must-have piece of equipment for any boater. 

Emergencies can happen fast on the water, and having a boat first aid kit that can help treat minor injuries can make all the difference for you and your guests. 

However, choosing the best fit first aid kit can be a bit overwhelming for recreational boaters. 

That’s why we’ve put together the following buying guide to help you navigate some of the most important considerations for you during your research to select a new boat first aid kit.

Some of these important considerations include:

Expected Usage:

Before choosing your first aid kit, it’s important to consider how you use your boat.

Are you primarily in nearshore water, lakes and intercoastal waterways?

Or are you regularly on extended adventures on the ocean to far flung destinations?

Knowing how you use your boat will help you identify what type of emergency kit might be best suited to your unique needs. 

Be sure to select a first aid kit that caters to the demands of your boating life. 

Storage:

The next important consideration comes down to storage space available on your boat. 

Available storage is going to vary greatly depending on the size and style of your boat. 

Knowing where onboard your boat you can store your first aid kit will help you determine what size and style of kit you should purchase. 

Waterproofing:

Since you’re going to be out on the water, choosing a first aid kit that is waterproof may be at the top of your list of demands. 

While a traditional kit may work fine for a boat with dry storage, having a waterproof emergency kit may be required for smaller boats with limited storage capabilities. 

If you suspect that your kit will be exposed to the elements in any way, be sure to choose a kit that is stored in waterproof containers. 

Customization:

How much extra room does your kit provide to be able to add to equipment if necessary? 

Choosing a kit that provides some extra space will allow you to add more unique chosen equipment if necessary before storing your kit onboard your vessel. 

Customer Reviews:

The next important consideration, while obvious, is pretty important. 

Be sure to look into other customer reviews of the emergency kit you are considering to help guide you to a quality kit that is both comprehensive and durable. 

Searching through other boater’s reviews can help you identify some top prospects for your next boat first aid kit. 

Local Regulations & Compliance:

The final factor in our buying guide for the best boat first aid kits comes down to local marine regulations. 

When choosing a kit, be sure that it stacks up to any local regulations necessary for boating in your area. 

Some kits are Coast Guard-approved and your local marine law enforcement groups may require you to have a specific type of emergency kit on board depending on your vessel. 

Be sure to get a good idea of any local regulations prior to committing to an emergency kit.

As you can see, choosing the right emergency first aid kit for your boat can require some thought and research.

In this article, we’ve tried to expose some great options for your unique boating needs with respect to emergency first aid kits. 

By carefully selecting a kit tailored to your unique boating life, you will be much better prepared in the unlikely event of an emergency onboard your vessel. 

Final Thoughts on Boat First Aid Kits

The safety of you and your guests should be a primary concern for any Captain on the water. 

A well-equipped emergency kit is far more than just a precaution on a marine vessel. It is your first defense against minor injuries while enjoying your local waterways. 

In this guide to some of the best boat first aid kits, we’ve explored several quality products tailored to your life on the sea. 

Whether you are a seasoned waterman or simply starting off your life on the water, there’s a great first aid kit for you to keep on your boat to help prepare for any unexpected events. 

Keep in mind that the best-fit first aid kit for your boat comes down to the unique demands of your boating life. So be sure to consider how you will use your first aid kit in times of emergency, and what more advanced tools you might want onboard in case the unexpected arises. 

Wishing you calm seas on your adventure to choose the best emergency kit for your boating life!

Let us know down below in the comments if our guide helped your search!

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Did you like this article? Did it help your search to find the perfect type of boat? Leave us a comment below and join the conversation!

Or have a look at some of our other marine guides including Gifts for Boat Owners, or informative posts like our Boat Grill Review, Anchor Chain Solutions, choosing the Best Fishing Hats, Selecting the Best Marine Stereo, or our guide to Haulover Inlet!