Sailboat Safety Equipment
There must be a flotation device for each person on board the vessel. It's not required that these flotation devices be worn at all times, but it's a good tip, certainly by children. You should check with your state laws to see what applies to you here. If your sailboat is over 16 feet in length there must be a flotation device that can be throw overboard into the water. These are most commonly called life rings. We've all seen them.
You must also have some sort of horn or whistle device on board. This helps to warn other boats, especially at night. They can also be used for situations of distress. The coast guard requires any vessel 40 feet in length must have both whistle and horn. To find out the exact specifications you need, contact your local coast guard.
If your boat is traveling in coastal waters or any large body of water at night time, emergency flares are needed to signal distress. Larger boats will need to carry these devices at all time. Boats 25 feet in length must carry a fire extinguisher on board. This is not required for sailboats tho as they have no motor, but it's still a good idea, especially if you have a cabin on your sailboat.
You should also carry an oar and some blankets on board. A bucket for bailing out any water is a good investment and of course you should always have a first aid kit. Rain gear is also a good idea. Always let one person on dry land know where you are going and when you should be back.
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