Boating Safety

Boating 

• Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. This includes anyone participating in any boating activity. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability.
• Alcohol and boating don't mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination -- over 50 percent of drownings result from boating incidents involving alcohol. For the same reasons it is dangerous to operate an automobile while under the influence of alcohol, people should not operate a boat while drinking alcohol.
• Look for the label: Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for yourself and your passengers when boating and fishing.
• Develop a float plan. Anytime you go out in a boat, give a responsible person details about where you will be and how long you will be gone. This is important because if the boat is delayed because of an emergency, becomes lost, or encounters other problems; you want help to be able to reach you.
• Find a boating course in your area (Red Cross, U.S. Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Sailing, etc) -- these courses teach about navigation rules, emergency procedures and the effects of wind, water conditions, and weather.
• Watch the weather: Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Stop boating as soon as you see or hear a storm.

Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis) 

• Know your local laws and regulations. Some states have special laws governing the use of personal water craft (PWC) which address operations, registration and licensing requirements, education, required safety equipment and minimum ages
• Operate your PWC with courtesy and common sense. Follow the traffic pattern of the waterway. Obey no-wake and speed zones.
• Use extreme caution around swimmers and surfers. Run your PWC at a slow speed until the craft is away from shore, swimming areas, and docks. Avoid passing close to other boats and jumping wakes. This behavior is dangerous and often illegal.
• Coast Guard-approved life jackets should be worn by the operator of the PWC as well as any riders.
• Ride with a buddy. PWCs should always travel in groups of two or three. You never know when an emergency might occur.

Sailboarding and Windsurfing 

• Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Wear a wet suit in cold water to prevent hypothermia.
• You need good physical strength and swimming ability. Take windsurfing lessons from a qualified instructor.
• Know local weather conditions. Make sure the water and weather conditions are safe. Because water conducts electricity, it is wise to stop swimming, boating or any activities on the water as soon as you see or hear a storm. Also, heavy rains can make certain areas dangerous.

Tubing and Rafting 

• Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Do not overload the raft.
• Do not go rafting after a heavy rain.
• When rafting with a tour company, make sure the guides are qualified. Check with the local chamber of commerce for listings of accredited tour guides and companies.

Water Skiing 

• Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Be sure the boat and ski equipment are in good shape.
• Always turn the boat motor completely off when you approach a fallen skier.
• Watch the water ahead of you at all times.
• Have an extra person aboard to watch and assist the skier.
• Run parallel to shore and come in slowly when landing. Sit down if coming in too fast.
• Use proper hand signals to signal boat operator.
• Do not ski at night or in restricted areas.

For more information on boating tips contact 920-468-8535.