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Among the things we do not think of too often — other than when we need them — are our life lines. Along with the bow and stern rails, they are basically what keep us on the boat from time to time.

For those of you who are new to sailing, lifelines are lines along the sides of the boat above the gunwale, usually running from the stern rail to the bow pulpit.

They are usually made of vinyl-covered wire or a low-stretch line of some other type. Typically, they are taught and supported by running through vertical posts called stanchions. You can think of them as sort of the post and rails of a fence.

Lifelines are important for the safety of those on board and can even save lives when conditions are adverse.

For this reason, they deserve a bit of attention and maintenance if needed. They should be inspected often and always before you head offshore or out at night.

Inspect the lines for weaknesses and damaged areas. Any place that the vinyl is cut or missing is a potential weak spot, because even though the wire is stainless, it still rusts in the salty sea environment.

Pay special attention to where they area attached to fittings. Typically, they are swaged to fittings and then connected with some type of pelican clip, pin, or other hardware.

Remember that a small amount of surface rust could just be the tip of the iceberg and the wire could be very deteriorated out of visible sight.

Make sure that the stanchions are securely attached to the deck. Many times the bolts get loose over time or the deck can swell from water damage. Also see that there is no excessive chafing happening where the lines pass through the stanchions as this can weaken the line.

Many stanchions are two-piece configurations with a post and base. Often times, I see that the screw or bolt holding the post in place is loose and they can pop right out when pulled on. Make sure they are tight and replace the attachment hardware if needed.

Another thing you want to check are points along the lifeline where a fitting or clip is close to a stanchion or rail where a crew member can get "pinched" if weight is put on the line.

I have seen it hundreds of times, where someone is leaning on the line, someone else puts weight on, or gets off the line further down and, bam, they get a nice pinch and a blood blister.

It can be very painful. It has happened to me dozens of times.

Tape these areas with rigging tape or do whatever it calls for to cover these pinch points.

Your bow and stern rails also need to be in sound condition. Most times, they are as old as the boat and require maintenance or repair from time to time. My bow rail was bent and had a few broken welds from hurricane Wilma. Dan, from Marco Welding, was able to weld it and I was back in business for a very nominal fee.

If you need welding or other services, remember that it is much less expensive if you can take your faulty part to them rather than them bringing their equipment to you.

Remember that a lot of weight can be on the lifelines, so make sure that they are strong.

Think of three, four, or even eight crew members hiked out on the rail at night. You need that line to hold.

If someone goes over and their tether is attached to the lifeline, you need that line to hold. We rely on them without even thinking during sail changes and other topside activities so, they need to hold.

Years ago, I was sailing on a friend's boat that did not have lifelines. Without thinking, I sat on the edge of the cockpit and leaned back to rest on the lifeline that was not there. I was in the water before you could say "Hey Bill!"

Lifelines are not the most exciting things on a sailing vessel and most sailors take for granted that they are there and sound.

If you haven't inspected yours in a while, you may want to, because they could save your or someone else's life.

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Billy Harris welcomes ideas, comments and information about sailing. If you would like to inquire about sailing on Marco Island, e-mail him at defcon1bh@earthlink.net.