How To Become a Better, Safer Boater

Learning What To Do Out on the Water Could Save a Life

Jan 18, 2010
Annette Mardis

Personal Flotation Devices Don't Have To Be Bulky. - morgueFile

Driving a boat isn't just like driving a car. Even experienced motorists shouldn't hop aboard and cast off without learning the rules of the water highway.

The best bet is to take a safe boating class, whether in a classroom, online or by video. The United States Power Squadrons and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary are just two providers.

Plus, check out the following tips gathered through experience, common sense, and advice from captains, first mates and crews.

Can't Swim? Wear a Life Saver

Anyone knows it's crazy for a non-swimmer to plunge into a pool without a personal flotation device. But that's what non-swimmers potentially are doing when they go out on a boat and don't don a PFD.

Even on a calm, sunny day, accidents can happen: a fire, a leak, a collision, a fall overboard. Just having life preservers onboard isn't enough for a non-swimmer (and even a skilled swimmer in certain situations) who hits the water unexpectedly.

Are All PFDs Bulky and Uncomfortable?

Those bright orange, neck-squeezing and inexpensive life jackets that have been around for decades are fine for stowing onboard to meet Coast Guard or state regulations. Getting people to actually wear a PFD on board means plunking down extra cash for something that's more comfortable.

PFDs come in a variety of types (offshore, near shore, flotation aid); styles (vests, inflatables); sizes (infant, child, youth, adult and pet); purposes (general usage, fishing, wakeboarding, kayaking and commercial); colors; and materials (outer shells of Neoprene brand material or nylon).

Stark Facts About Drowning

As a final word on flotation, here's sobering information from the Personal Flotation Device Manufacturers Association:

Seventy percent of all accidental boating deaths are from drowning.
Nine out of 10 drownings happen in inland waters, most within a few feet of safety and involving boats less than 20 feet long.
Most people who drown had access to a PFD but didn't wear it.

More Advice for Beginning Boaters

Some of these suggestions might elicit a "well, duh" reaction, but it never hurts to be reminded:

At least one other person aboard should know how to operate the boat in case the captain can't be at the wheel.
Unless help is asked for or accepted, passengers should sit down, stay out of the way and let the boat's captain and trained assistants handle launching, anchoring, docking and other duties.
Don't drive a boat while drunk. It's illegal and reckless on the water as well as the road.
Let a friend or relative know the itinerary so they can call for help if the vessel doesn't return.
Get familiar with water depths, tides and locations of sunken logs, jettys, boulders, sandbars, shipwrecks, poles, docks and other potential obstructions.
Don't leave the dock without a marine radio and, if possible, a cell phone.
Check the weather forecast before departure, heed all warnings, and keep an eye on the sky during the outing. Head for shore or safer waters if a storm threatens. Failing that, batten down the hatches, strap on PFDs and ride it out.

There's plenty more to learn about safe and smart boating, but at least ace the basics before getting in gear, giving it gas and going out for a cruise.