Why is it important to have a float plan?

Having a float plan is crucial for safety while boating because it ensures that someone is aware of your location, plans, and expected return time. In the event of an emergency, rescue personnel can locate you more quickly if they know where you intended to be and when you should have returned. This plan acts as a safety net, helping to prevent search and rescue operations from becoming prolonged and potentially dangerous.

While some may consider outlining fishing goals or planning activities as part of a float plan, those aspects do not prioritize safety in the same way. Similarly, reporting to the marina only if necessary fails to establish a proactive approach to safety measures, which a float plan is fundamentally designed to promote.