Boating Safety

There are all kinds of boats, for all kinds of purposes. There are little "dinghys" that get neighbors from one lakefront house to another. There are fishing boats, which may not be any bigger, or may be quite large, for deep-sea fishing. Some have keels, which are large, blade-like projections that go into the water to help stabilize the boat, and others are flat-bottomed and best for calm waters. Some have sails, others have motors, and some have both. ALL should have a life jacket for each and every passenger. When you stop to consider that the largest cruise ships in the world follow this rule, it doesn't seem so silly for smaller boats to do the same.

Adults sometimes don't listen to kids, but if you are boarding a boat that doesn't have a life jacket for you, then it's time to make your voice heard. Better yet, since most life vests are far too large for most children anyhow, ask your parents to take you to the local store to purchase one of your very own. They aren't expensive, and some of them even have really great designs on them (better than the standard orange color). Others are made of a really comfortable, lightweight, cushioned material, so you'll have some choices. Don't count on the owner of the boat to have the same consideration for water safety as you do.

Another situation where kids should make their opinions known, and loudly, is if they suspect that the person driving the boat has been drinking alcohol or using drugs. Just like a car, a boat is a vehicle that, when driven inattentively, can kill everyone on board. Of course, this doesn't normally happen, but those risks go way up when the driver has been drinking. If you've seen the "skipper" of the boat you're supposed to go on drinking, ask Mom and Dad if you can stay on shore with a trusted adult.

Though many states do not have laws prohibiting children from driving boats or other watercraft, that doesn't mean that it's safe. The best rule is not to get on board unless there is a trusted, responsible adult driving. Many kids have been caught in dangerous situations because they've taken boats out by themselves, and then, once out of shouting distance from help, find themselves in trouble.

The same goes for the newer personal watercraft. One or two riders straddle a seat behind the handlebar-type controls. They are capable of high speeds and tight turns. A life jacket when riding on one of these is a must, as is only riding with a responsible adult. Why? Because these small, fast watercraft are often numerous in the water, and it's hard to keep track of them. They can be a lot of fun, but if an inexperienced, intoxicated or too-young driver is at the controls, they can collide, causing serious injury.

Another dangerous mistake that many boaters make is using the wrong boat for the wrong purpose at the wrong speed. A flat-bottomed boat on choppy waters in the wind can easily flip. A tiny rowboat on the ocean can quickly get carried farther and farther out to sea. So it's important to look at the size and design of the boat you're going on, and ask questions as to whether or not it is the right boat for the day.

On larger boats, it's generally okay to stand and move about while the boat is underway, though nobody should ever be on the very front of a large boat (the bow) while it is moving. When the water conditions are harsher, however, it's usually better to stand in order to keep from being tossed overboard or thrown to the floor. On smaller boats, never stand while the boat is moving. Their size in relation to yours means that there is a likelihood that you will tip the boat, and everyone and everything in it, over.

Some boats are not even allowed on certain waterways. This is why it's important to check your state's laws for boating. Are personal watercraft allowed and in which areas? Some places do not allow boats over a certain length, while others won't allow boats under a certain length.

Likewise with fishing. Many people take boats out to "catch the big one". However, in most states there are very specific rules about the times during the year in which fish may be caught. Licenses may be required, and there may be a ranger checking, so wear yours, if applicable, in a clear holder pinned to either your vest or "lucky fishing hat". Furthermore, you can catch some species of fish one month, not the next, but another month after that. Contact the Department of Fish and Game in your state to make sure you're fishing on the right side of the law.

For outings like deep-sea fishing, or any boating trip that is not within view of the shore or help, it's important to have a radio on board. That way, if you're caught in a dangerous storm, someone becomes injured, a passenger falls overboard or your engine dies, you can get the help you need.

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