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Boating Safety 1-25
loss of the boat. In these situations, a formal report must generally be filed within 10
days. If any of these events occur, seek further assistance from local law enforcement
personnel. Please note that the submittal of a report is the responsibility of the boat
owner. This requirement is different than laws associated with the reporting of
automobile accidents.
Rendering Assistance
If you see a distress signal or suspect a boat is in trouble, you must assume it is a real
emergency and render assistance immediately. By law, the operator in charge of the craft
is obligated to provide assistance to any individual in danger, presuming assistance can
be safely provided. Failure to render assistance can result in a fine and/or imprisonment.
The 1971 Boating Safety Act grants protection to a “Good Samaritan” boater providing
good faith assistance, and absolves a boater from any civil liability arising from such
assistance.
Hazardous Conditions
Every waterway poses hazards that should be avoided. You will be best prepared to avoid
these hazards if you are familiar with the waterway where you are boating. Whenever
possible familiarize yourself with navigation charts, depth charts, and waterway maps
before you go boating. The following information outlines some of the most common
hazards which may be encountered:
Shallow Water Operation
Shallow water brings on obvious hazards such as sand bars, stumps, rocks, etc. Know
the area in which you will be operating the boat. Grounding the vessel or striking
submerged objects can result in serious injury or death and can cause severe damage to
your watercraft. At high speed, this can cause rapid deceleration or stop your boat
abruptly, which may cause occupants to impact the interior of the boat or be ejected.
Stick to deeper water whenever possible, and if you must travel in shallow water,
proceed at low speed and post a lookout.
Know the minimal depth your boat can safely travel.
Warning Markers
Learn to recognize the different buoys and day markers; they are used as the signposts
of the waterways identifying navigable routes and water hazards. It is a good idea to
ask local authorities about hazard areas and if they are marked. Stay within boundaries
and clear of hazards.
Weeds
Weeds can generally be a threat to a boat’s engine and other components on the boat. If
weeds wrap around the propeller, they can create vibration in the engine. They also can
restrict water intakes or clog the water filter causing the engine to overheat. Learn to
recognize the typical normal operating temperature range for your engine. If
temperature rises high above normal, then check for blockage of the engine cooling
water system.
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