Are you planning on taking in the change of colors from your boat?
Fall boating can be a relaxing and family fun experience on the water. But it can also be dangerous if you do not make your safety and those of your passengers, your number one priority.
Here are eight fall boating safety tips:
Update Charts
Keep in mind the helpful landmarks that you relied on during the summer to help point out shallow sections of the water that may look different due to the fall weather changes. You may be cruising home in the dark more often, making those landmarks hard to spot. Also, keep in mind that local and private aids to navigation such as channel markers and buoys may be pulled early in some areas, so make sure your charts, either electronic or paper, are up-to-date.
Check Lights and Flares
Always ensure your boat’s navigation lights are in working order and that your emergency flares are not expired. Waterproof flashlights are also great to have and some spare batteries as well. In case of an emergency, a flashlight can be used to signal for help.
Carry a VHF Radio
During the fall, the waterways will be less crowded. This can be peaceful, but in case you run into trouble, chances are you may not see another boater. A VHF radio can be used to call for help in areas where your cell phone may have no signal.
Dress in Layers
Remember to dress for the water, not the weather. The sun may be shining but water temperatures are cooler. The days are becoming shorter and with that comes rapid changes in air temperature from day to night. Dressing comfortably in layers that can be easily removed or added. Bring along some rain gear. Fast moving storms can come on suddenly and bring sudden temperature drops. Also, make sure your lifejacket (PFD), can fit over your layers. You want to make sure you’re comfortable and not tempted to take it off. It’s also a good idea to check the weather so you know what to expect.
Wear a Life Jacket
According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Data, your chance of drowning in a boating accident while wearing a lifejacket is 1 in 66; not wearing a lifejacket is 1 in 11. Even though, only children under 13 are required to wear them, it’s always a good idea for everyone aboard to wear a life jacket, regardless of age. There are even some life jackets that come with lights so in case of an emergency, rescuers can locate you in the water. Also, as water temperatures start to drop, boaters that may accidentally fall overboard run into an increased risk of hypothermia, and for those who want to enjoy the water but don’t know how to swim, a life jacket can save their life.
Boater’s Float Plan
Always inform a family member or friend of your float plan. Protect yourself and your passengers because you never know what may happen while out on the water. A float plan includes a description of your boat, who is onboard, any medical conditions they may have, a description of the safety equipment you are carrying, your itinerary, and your emergency contacts. It’s just not enough to tell, text or post a note on the refrigerator letting someone know that you’ll be back before dark. A float plan is vital in an event of an emergency because it provides rescuers the information needed to locate and assist you.
Check Your Boat
Do an inspection of your boat’s engine, communications, and safety gear to make sure everything is in working order. Keep up with your boat’s maintenance so you don’t run into any unexpected mechanical problems while out on the water.
Leave Alcohol at Home
Remember that alcoholic drinks drain your body of heat, bringing on hypothermia much sooner than during the warmer summer months. So leave the alcoholic beverages at home to enjoy when you get back.
What other fall boating safety precautions do you take?
