Having a boat means your family has a wide range of water activities they can share in.  Families can enjoy a day on the lake, grandparents may take grandchildren fishing, or maybe you like the active side of boating.  Water-skiing, tubing, and many other wonderful and fun activities can be done in or around a boat.  Safety should be the first item on your mind when you go out on the lake, river, or ocean.  Powerboats are a fun and enjoyable to spend a day on the lake but do you know the dangers involved?

The propeller poses the most danger for anyone around a boat.  The boat’s propeller can injure swimmers, skiers, or others that are near the stern of the boat.  The boat’s driver should be alert always when people are around the boat or swimming platform.  The motor should be turned off while passengers are swimming or if you are picking up a skier.  No one should ever jump from a boat that is still running and moving.

Many people will spend hours being pulled behind the boat skiing and tubing.  You and your family will be safe if you take a few simple precautions before you go to the water.

All skiers and tubing participants should wear a personal flotation device approved by the Coast Guard.  One suggestion is to wear a Type III water ski vest.  Allow a minimum of 100 feet between the skier, the boat, and other objects.  Having a person who is “spotting” the skier or tubing participant means a quick pickup if they fall off their skis or water tubes.  Skiing should be done in less congested areas and never in shallow water or at night.  If a skier falls, always keep them in sight and turn off the boat’s motor before nearing the fallen skier.  The boat driver and the skier should know the proper hand signals to use when a skier falls.

Water tubing is another favorite sport of boat owners.  Young and old alike love to take part in this fun water sport.  Statistics tell us most accidents happen when the boat driver allows the tube rider to get too close to docks, submerged rocks or sandbars, or shallow areas.  Another danger to the tube rider occurs when the tube is “whipped” by the driver turning too sharply.  The tube should be in good condition, properly inflated, and it is best to have one specifically made for water tubing.  Checking the condition of the rope will also prevent accidents and injuries.

Many boaters will use their boat only for fishing.  Fishing is a relaxing and enjoyable sport that allows a person to be out on the water, relaxing, and enjoying the day.  The angler needs to keep his boat in control always.  Boat control comes first and fishing second!  Fishing from a moving boat could be dangerous and never stand while the boat is moving.  It is dangerous to sit on the gunwales, raised seats, or pedestal seats while the boat is in motion.  Fishing and boating safety include:

Avoid congested airways and follow the rules of the road while on the water.

Do not leave the boat unattended while the motor is on.

Carefully stow any gear you are not using.

Remember it is illegal to anchor in a channel or tie your boat to a buoy or navigational aid.

Always use proper lighting if you are fishing at night.

Wear your personal flotation device.

There is no substitute for a full safety-training course on boating and water safety.  The American Red Cross or the U. S. Coast Guard offers safety-training classes.

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