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Recreational boating is a popular sport that you can enjoy safely by following basic water safety rules, keeping the proper equipment on your boat and respecting weather conditions as well as other boaters' rights. National Safe Boating Counsel and the National Boating and Water Safety Counsel both have goals that strive to educate boaters for safer water experiences and can offer educational literature. It is a boater's responsibility to learn water safety rules. There are online courses, books or you can take a safe boating course at your local marina. As an extra benefit, you may find that safety courses can lower your boat insurance costs.
Knowing and obeying navigation rules, operating at a safe speed and maintaining a proper lookout can help you become a safe recreational boater according to the United Safe Boating Industry. Staying in control of your boating craft and respecting the right of others enjoying the waterways can also be an important step in safety.
SAFE BOATING TIPS
Boating accidents often occur when basic rules are not followed. For example, be sure the dock lines are tied securely before you put gear aboard or board the boat yourself. Load your equipment with an equal balanced weight, being sure not to overload. Don't wind up straddling from dock to boat when loading. If the boat is small, step as near the centerline as possible, and stay low in the boat. You should also stay low near the center line of a small boat when you are changing seats.
Check the amount of distance there is between the water and the top of your boat or freeboard. Even with floatation a swamped boat is dangerous. Capsizing and falls overboard account for an estimated 70% of boating fatalities. Waves, or wakes from passing boats can easily swamp a small boat with low freeboard. Be ready for trouble when a powerboat passes you in a narrow channel as well. If you are the lead boat you always have the right of way and you should stay on your side of the channel while maintaining a steady speed so that the overtaking vessel can pass you safely. You will also want to anchor from the bow of the boat and not the stern. Use anchor line length at least five times longer than water depth.
BOAT OPERATING RULES
Every boat has a DANGER ZONE from straight in front (the bow) to past the middle of its right side. You must YIELD to boats in your DANGER ZONE. As in a car, both boats are to stay to the right & as far apart as practical. Show a little courtesy for your fellow boater and watch your wake. Powerboats must always yield to sailboats as well as boats being rowed or paddled, except in a narrow channel. Stay well clear of all big vessels and always remain sober and alert, the use of alcohol is high in reported accidents on the water.
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
More people die from falling off boats 16 feet and smaller than larger boats, and most boats are anchored at the time. Wearing a life jacket and making sure that everyone on board also wears one can prevent drowning. Life jackets or PFD's are required by federal law. There are different requirements for boating in less than 16 feet of water as well as Coast Guard Requirements for boating in over 25 feet of water.
Boats built after July 31, 1980 are required to have operable power blowers. Remember to open hatches, run blower, and always smell for gasoline fumes in the fuel and engine areas before starting your engine. At least 1 B-1 Coast Guard approved portable fire extinguisher is also required if your outboard motorboat is less than 26 feet in length. Whistles, bells and horns or any device capable or making an "efficient sound signal" audible for 1/2 mile is also required by law. Audible devices are a good safety measure but it is also necessary to have visual distress signals on board when traveling. Smaller boats should keep the same night signaling equipment as larger boats. These signaling tools consist of orange flag with black square-and-disc and an S-O-S electric light or 3 orange smoke signals, hand held or floating; or 3 red flares of hand held, meteor, or parachute type.
PREPARING FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Life jackets are not only federally required they are especially vital when operating in rough water and threatening weather conditions. A smart boater will be aware of sudden wind shifts, lightning flashes and choppy water, all of which mean that a storm is brewing. Bring a portable radio to check weather reports. Make sure you tell someone where you are going and how long you anticipate being away.
Check your boat, equipment, boat balance, engine and fuel supply before leaving. You should always pack extra gear, just in case. You may need A flashlight, extra batteries, matches, a map of where you are, flares, sun tan lotion, first aid kit, extra sunglasses. Pack equipment in a watertight container or a plastic float. You will not enjoy the outdoor experience if you are not warm enough. Wear several layers of light clothing and bring a rainproof covering. If you are fishing it is not recommended to wear hip waders in a small boat. You will also want to keep your fishing gear safely stored away. A loose fish hook can cause a lot of pain and ruin a great outing. You should also bring an extra length of line to secure your boat or equipment.
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