Water Safety: Boating Tips
So you’re itching to take the boat out for a spin. Or maybe your pals have invited you – the landlubber -- for a weekend on the water. It’s all harmless fun, right?
Fun, certainly. But think before you play. Whatever the activity, observe these three cardinal rules:
- Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- 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.
- Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim, period.
Additionally, remember that alcohol and boating don't mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination -- over 50 percent of drowning deaths occur 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.
File 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. If the boat is delayed because of an emergency, becomes lost or encounters other problems, you want help to be able to reach you.
Float plans should include:
- Boat name and number
- Boat color, size, make and capacity
- Number of engines, horsepower and type of fuel used, if any
- Number of persons on board and their names, addresses and telephone numbers
- Type of radio equipment on board
- Departure date, time and location
- Estimated arrival date, time and location
- Destination
- Date and time you want the Coast Guard notified if you fail to reach your predetermined destination.
*Download a float plan form at the top of this page!
Check the boat capacity plate to be sure you do not overload the boat. The capacity plate shows the maximum load and the horsepower rating of the boat. It is located inside the boat, in a conspicuous place.
What to bring on board
There are federal and state requirements for boating equipment. Check the specific requirements for the type of boat you will be operating. The nearest U.S. Coast Guard installation, Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron will be able to give you full information.
You should not, however, stop at the minimum requirements for equipment. Here is a list of items the Red Cross recommends bringing on board.
- Personal floatation device and life jacket for each person
- Whistle, horn or bell
- Fire extinguisher
- Visual distress signals (flares, flags, lights)
- Running lights
- Anchor
- Oars or paddle
- Extra line
- Throwable rescue device Type IV PFD
- First aid kit
- Bailing device
- Flashlight
- Tool kit and spare parts
- Nautical charts and maps
- Compass
- Radio
- Emergency blanket
Make sure that equipment is ready and in good working order.
What to do if your boat capsizes
If your boat capsizes, you should stay with the boat so rescuers can find you.
Leave the boat only in an emergency, such as a fire or an approaching waterfall or dam. Never boat near a dam. (Above a dam, the boat could be pulled into a floodgate. Below a dam, the boat could be hit by a wall of water created when the floodgates are opened.)
Hold on to the hull of the boat or sit in it and paddle with your hands.
How to rescue someone from the water
If you are in a boat and see someone in trouble in the water, you should
- Approach the victim by going against the wind and current.
- Turn off your motor when you get near the victim.
- Reach or throw, don’t go.
- Keep the boat trimmed (balanced) when you help the victim aboard.