How to Prevent Boating Injury Tips

Boaters are at risk of injury and illness from a variety of causes. Always have a first-aid kit and manual on your boat and make sure you know first-aid procedures and how to treat injury or ailment you might encounter during boating.

Treat the weather forecast as the best case. When the forecast calls for ideal boating weather, it will probably be a beautiful day, just don’t count on it. Prepare for the worst case, be aware of how changing weather affects boating, and plan accordingly. Don’t forget to check tides or river levels, and note the time the sun will rise and set.

If you are beginner boater research and figure out everything about boating and boating safety before you begin boating, rather than regretting it later. Improving your skills is one of the joys of boating. Practice in safe conditions with instructors or expert boaters to expand your personal performance.

Everyone has the right to enjoy a safe, fun time on the water. This means that going out on the water requires basic boating safety knowledge and a good understanding of the "rules of the road" for most waterways. Everyone also has a responsibility to respect and share waterways with wildlife, swimmers, divers, other boaters and watercraft ranging from sail boats to float planes.

No matter your age or experience, you should take a boating safety course.

Know the capabilities of your craft and choose the right boat for the conditions to avoid risks. Most kayaks, canoes and SUPs are designed for use on protected waters and moderate currents. Specialized boats are used for whitewater, surf and exposed lakes or ocean. These venues require additional training.

A life jacket can save your life, but only if you wear it. The first sign of an inexperienced boater is someone who isn't wearing a life jacket. Experienced boaters wear life jackets correctly whenever they're on the water. Your life jacket should be adjusted to fit you snug and comfortable. It should not lift up when pulled by the shoulders. Modern life jackets come in all sizes, with models for children, women and men. Some boaters use personal flotation device (PFD) instead of life jacket.

Pay attention to weather, air temperature and wind direction. Scan the horizon for dark clouds, and be aware of changing temperatures and wind directions, which often precede a squall or thunderstorm. Don't wait for bad weather. If you sense a change for the worse, get off the water right away. For canoeists and kayakers, air temperature is less important than wind speed and direction. And while rain can be a nuisance, lightening is dangerous. Have an exit strategy at all times. If a fast-moving thunderstorm appears, where is the nearest safe landing?

Be aware of what is going on around you. As a boater, you must be aware of what is going on around you, both on the water and in the skies. Avoid boating too close to other boats. Watch for seaplanes when you are out on the water and give plenty of space to any aircraft that is landing or taking off.

Avoid alcohol when operating a boat. Drinking while boating is illegal and dangerous, and incurs the same legal penalty as drinking while driving a car. Keep in mind that alcohol and its impairing effects are enhanced by the wind and sun.

If you plan to get out on the water with other people, train someone who's familiar with all aspects of boat operations, handling and general safety to take over during an emergency and to steer the boat back to shore.

Use Nautical Chart. One of the most important tools for safely navigating waterways is a Nautical Chart. Today, many recreational boaters use GPS receivers and perform electronic waypoint navigation. Although a GPS can tell you where you are in terms of latitude and longitude, it cannot show what is around or beneath the boat, or what obstacles may be in the way. Nautical charts show the nature and shape of the coast, including waterdepths, marine hazards, general configuration and character of the bottom, and Aids to Navigation, as well as prominent landmarks, port facilities, and other relevant information. Changes brought about by people and nature require that nautical charts be constantly maintainedand and updated to aid safe navigatin.

Low-head dams are dangerous! Those boating on rivers need to be aware of their location in regard to dams in their boating area. Low-head, or "fixed crest" dams can be difficult to see from small vessels moving down-river. They can be extremely dangerous to small boats and swimmers; so much so they have been nicknamed "drowning machines". Be aware that buoys are not in the river year round and even when they are they can be moved off station by the current. Keep a lookout for "Danger Dam" signs. It is strongly recommended that boaters use navigation charts, which provide valuable information on the location of dams and other hazards in the river.

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