CHAPTER 7 Enjoying Water Sports With Your Boat

CHAPTER 7 Enjoying Water Sports With Your Boat
Boats and PWC offer many opportunities for their owners to enjoy the water. Sharing the fun with your boat or PWC with friends and family is all part of the boating experience. Along with the opportunities come responsibilities – both to your passengers and to others who share the public waterways. You are also responsible when you let someone else operate your boat or PWC. As the owner of the boat or PWC you could be held liable for any damage caused by it, no matter who is operating at the time. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

RESPONSIBILITIES: TO YOUR PASSENGERS
Location of safety equipment Location & use of PFDs Local laws and regulations Safety procedures How to signal for help or use the marine radio Risks of drinking alcoholic beverages Responsibilities: To Your Passengers As the owner/operator of a boat or PWC it is your responsibility to make sure all passengers understand basic safety practices and laws. Before departing discuss the following safety topics with your passengers: Location of safety equipment, such as flares, horns, fire extinguishers and life rings. Location and use of PFD’s. Laws about reckless operation, waste disposal and required equipment. Safety procedures if caught in rough water, a fire erupts or someone falls overboard. How to signal for help or to make a MAYDAY call. Risks of consuming alcohol. Now is a great time to review a pre-departure checklist. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

RESPONSIBILITIES: OTHER OPERATORS
Responsible for others who operate your boat or PWC: Meet legal age & education requirements Know basic boating safety & navigation rules Know how to use ignition safety switch lanyard Know importance of observing “idle speed” or “slow-no wake” restriction Understand the importance of staying alert Responsibilities: Other Operators You should always make sure that anyone operating your boat or PWC understands their responsibility as a driver. Your attitude towards safe operation will make them drive more safely and responsibly. Take the following precautions before allowing anyone to operate your boat or PWC: Make sure he/she meets the minimum age and education requirements for operation in your state. Make sure they know basic boating safety and Navigation Rules. Make sure they know how to use the lanyard with the ignition safety switch. Explain the importance of obeying the “idle speed” or “slow – no wake” restriction. Emphasize the need for staying alert. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Copyright 2005 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.
PWC OPERATORS Ensure that PWC operators know: PWC is a boat, subject to same rules. How to steer & control the PWC How to use safety lanyards To look around before turning To take first ride in uncongested area. Deepwater righting & re-boarding. PWC Operators Be especially cautious when allowing someone else to operate your PWC. Many people are not aware that they have the same responsibilities as any other boat operator when operating a PWC. Carefully explain all the important safety and operating points specific to a PWC. Let beginners take their first ride in an uncongested area. Show them how to re-board the PWC if it capsizes. Show them the proper way to steer the PWC. Remind them that power is required for steerage. Make sure they attach the safety lanyard and that they know its use. Tell them to turn around to make sure it is clear before turning. Pay special attention to the Manufacturer’s Capacity Plate and NEVER exceed its recommendations. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

SWIMMING Boaters should be alert near designated swimming areas Swimmers should not swim outside these areas Watch out for inflatable toys Swimming Each year hundreds of people die by drowning; most of these persons are swimmers. All swimmers, even the most experienced, should take special care to avoid accidents and injury. Keep in mind that it is extremely difficult for a boat operator to spot you when you are in the water, especially in waves. Do not swim outside designated or safe areas. Only swim in deep waters if you can be easily seen by boaters. Stay out of the water if you do not know how to swim. Most swimmers enjoy using air mattresses, inner tubes and other inflatable toys. These toys are fun but can be dangerous. They give the swimmer a false sense of security. They are not suitable for life preservers. They can drift away from the user or deflate due to a slow leak or puncture. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

SWIMMING Swimmers should Be aware of current Never dive into an unknown depth or swim alone Know how to reboard boat Swimming, continued Swimmers should know their own abilities and not exceed them. Never dive into an unknown area. Learn how to swim. Take a course from the YMCA, Red Cross or local swim club. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

DIVING & SNORKELING Boaters: Be able to recognize “diver down” flag Watch for bubbles breaking surface 300 ft offshore, 100 ft in shore Divers: Always fly “diver down” flag Avoid overloading Anchor from bow Diving and Snorkeling Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular sports, and divers often operate in areas shared with recreational boaters. As the popularity of these sports increases it becomes more important for both boaters and divers to take special precautions. Note these tips: Boat Operators Recognize a “diver down” flag and code flag Alpha. The “diver down” flag is red with a white vertical stripe and indicates divers in the water. The code flag Alpha is flown from boats mothering scuba divers or snorkelers and signifies the boat is limited in its ability to maneuver, in this case due to divers in the water. Stay the legal distance away from a “diver down” flag. Keep a lookout for bubbles breaking the surface. This may indicate divers are surfacing. Divers Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

WATER SKIING Observer or Wide angle mirror (Required in Florida). Review hand signals. Skier wearing appropriate PFD. Know location of local hazards, shallow water. Water Skiing Water skiing, along with being towed on a tube or a kneeboard, has become very popular with boaters. These activities are both fun and challenging. However, towing others on tubes, kneeboards or skis, requires the boat operator to have additional knowledge and skills. Make the following preparations: Have a second person onboard to act as an observer Review hand signals (These are covered in the next slide). Make sure the skier is wearing a USCG approved PFD designed for skiing. Ski belts are NOT USCG approved. A PFD with high impact rating is preferred. Be familiar with the area. Be aware of any hazards such as shallow water or objects such as rocks or bridge pilings in the water. Never ski at night. It is both hazardous and illegal. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Hand Signals The boat operator and skier must work as a team to ensure safety. Before your team gets out on the water, make sure they understand their responsibilities. Learn to use these hand signals, and review them with each team member to ensure proper communication. Back to Dock – Patting your head. Skier OK – Both hands on head. Skier Down, Watch – Hold ski out of the water. Slow Down – Point thumb down. Speed Up – Point thumb up. Speed OK – Make an “OK” sign with your fist. Stop – Hold palm facing boat. Turn Left – Point to left. Turn Right – Point to right. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

WATER SKIING Tow line at least 75 feet
Always keep distance from shore/hazards at least twice that length Tow lines same length for multiple skiers Never ski at night Water Skiing, continued Make sure tow rope is at least 75’ in length and keep skier at least twice that distance from shoreline or hazards. Make sure tow lines are the same length for multiple skiers. Never ski at night. It is both hazardous and illegal. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

WATER SKIING While towing: Adjust speed according to skier signals
Avoid congested or hazardous areas Maintain a lookout Always respond to skier signals Signal turns in advance Water Skiing, continued The boat operator should make sure that no one in the water is near the propeller before starting the engine. Start out slowly until the ski rope is tight. When the skier is ready and there is no one ahead, take off in a straight line with enough power to raise the skier out of the water. Once the skier is up, adjust the speed according to the hand signals the skier gives. Avoid congested areas, beaches, docks and swimming areas. Water skiing takes a lot of room. Some areas may have designated traffic patterns. Maintain a sharp lookout for other boats or obstructions in the water. Let the observer watch the skier. YOU watch everything else. Always respond to the skier’s signals. If you need to turn the boat, signal the skier of your intentions. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

WATER SKIING When skier down, circle slowly, keep in view, operator side of boat Shut off engine to avoid propeller injuries when getting in/out of water Water Skiing, continued Once the skier has dropped or fallen, circle the skier slowly to return the tow rope or to pick up the skier. Always keep the skier in view and on the operator’s side of the boat. To avoid propeller injuries, always shut off the engine before allowing the skier to board the boat. Once the skier is onboard, retrieve the tow line unless pulling another skier. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

SAILING Give sailboats lots of space Usually the stand-on boat Small sailboats more prone to capsizing Always wear PFDs Beware of hypothermia Stay off water during storms, high winds Remember that masts conduct lightning & need to be grounded Sailing It is always wise to give sailboats a lot of space. Sailboats are usually the stand-on boat. Exceptions occur when: The sailboat is overtaking another boat. The other boat is restricted in its ability to maneuver. The sailboat is under power. Small sailboats are prone to capsizing and swamping. Always wear your PFD and appropriate cold weather clothing. While it may seem like fun to be in a small sailboat during periods of high winds, it is extremely dangerous. Stay off the water during storms. Your mast is probably the tallest object on the water and is a prime target for lightning. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

SAILING Carry a flashlight at night Sailboats with engines must have lighting same as power boat Pay special attention to mast clearance Power lines, bridges Take a certified sailing course Sailing, continued Carry a flashlight in case you remain on the water after dark. Shine the light on the sail to warn approaching boaters if you do not have navigation lights. All sailboats with an engine MUST have the red, green and white navigation lights. Be aware of mast clearance when passing under bridges and power lines. Take a certified sailing course. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

PADDLECRAFT Paddleboards, Kayaks, and Canoes are increasingly showing in boating accident and death reports Frequently the victims were not wearing life jackets JSO On Scene at A Paddleboard Death, December 2014 St Johns River Sailing, continued Carry a flashlight in case you remain on the water after dark. Shine the light on the sail to warn approaching boaters if you do not have navigation lights. All sailboats with an engine MUST have the red, green and white navigation lights. Be aware of mast clearance when passing under bridges and power lines. Take a certified sailing course. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

FISHING Most endangered boater on water Slow down near fishing boats Don’t run over lines Mind your wake Fishing Fishing is the most popular activity for many boaters. Anglers can be at risk when it comes to boating and boat safety. Capsizing and falling overboard are common fatal boating accidents among anglers. Anglers who use boats to fish need to think of themselves first as boat operators. Boaters should: Slow down near fishing boats. Do not run over their lines. Mind you wake. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

FISHING Anglers: Follow all safe boating rules Pay attention to capacity plate, don’t overload Wear your PFD Properly dispose of fishing line on shore & not in water Fishing, continued Anglers: Follow all safe boating rules. Remember, you are a boater first and a fisherman second. Pay attention to capacity plate and do not overload your boat. Wear your PFD, especially in cold water or when fishing alone. Recycle or toss used fishing line into receptacles on shore and not into the water or onto shorelines. Fishing line is not biodegradable and is a nuisance to wildlife and propellers. Waders While providing protection to the fisherman, waders can be dangerous. If you step into a hole while wearing them you may not be able to get out of the hole. If you wear waders while launching your boat, take them off before entering the vessel. If you wear waders while in your boat and the boat capsizes, or if you fall overboard, the waders will fill with water, act like a block of cement and take you to the bottom. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

HUNTING Small, flat-bottom boats more prone to capsizing Distribute gear evenly; Don’t overload Guard against hypothermia Wear PFD at all times Hunting Many hunters use boats for duck hunting or to get to their favorite hunting grounds. If you are using your boat to hunt you should be aware that the small, flat-bottom boats often used by hunters are prone to capsizing or swamping. Distribute gear evenly in the boat. Do not overload with unnecessary gear. Take only well-trained dogs aboard a small boat. An excited dog could easily capsize a boat. Keep the dog lying on the bottom positioned in the center of the boat. Take precautions to protect yourself from hypothermia. Always wear your PFD. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

HUNTING Always check weather Stay close to shore Don’t shoot until boat has stopped Follow all safe boating rules Firearms transported unloaded Hunting, continued Always check the weather and stay close to shore, whenever possible. Never fire shots or arrows until the boat is stopped and the engine is turned off and the boat is anchored or properly secured. Of course you must have a valid hunting license for whatever game you are hunting. Follow all safe boating rules. Always transport your firearms unloaded with the safety on. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

END CHAPTER 7 End Chapter 7 Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Chapter 7 Review Chapter 7 Review The following questions will help you review the material you have just learned. Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Review Exercises 1. As the owner of a PWC, you may be held liable for any damage caused by it _____. a. unless you have explained the “slow-no wake” restrictions. b. unless the operator is over 21. c. regardless of who is operating it. d. unless you have explained how to use the lanyard of the ignition safety switch. Review Exercises Question 1 Once the correct answer is given ask the students to define the other terms or choices. It will serve as an additional review Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Review Exercises 2. A water skier on Florida waters may legally: a. Be towed two hours after sunset with proper lighting. b. Be towed behind a boat equipped with a wide-angle rearview mirror designed so that the operator can observe the skier. c. Ski while wearing an inflatable PFD. d. Ski close to another person to spray them. Review Exercises Question 2 Once the correct answer is given ask the students to define the other terms or choices. It will serve as an additional review Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Review Exercises 3. When picking up a water skier, always keep them in view and on the ______ side of the boat. a. Port b. Starboard c. operator’s d. downwind Review Exercises Question 3 Once the correct answer is given ask the students to define the other terms or choices. It will serve as an additional review Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Review Exercises 4. Hunters who use boats to get to a bird blind or as a shooting platform should: a. not be concerned about boating laws and safety rules because they are not pleasure boaters. b. understand and abide by all federal and state laws, and practice all boating safety rules. c. not worry about boating safety because they are normally in very sheltered waters. d. use as small a boat as possible, which will allow them to get into tight places. Review Exercises Question 4 Once the correct answer is given ask the students to define the other terms or choices. It will serve as an additional review Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Review Exercises 5. As a boat operator you have responsibilities regarding the environment. Which is one over which you don’t have direct control: a. The practice of the three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. b. Protection of the shoreline from erosion and preservation of aquatic vegetation. c. Reduction of the use of toxic substances on and around your boat. d. Pollutants from municipal and industrial operations. Review Exercises Question 5 Once the correct answer is given ask the students to define the other terms or choices. It will serve as an additional review Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Review Exercises 6. If you see a square-shaped red flag with a diagonal white stripe on a small float, you should: a. go over and investigate to see what is going on. b. stay clear of the area because that is the signal that divers are below. c. not worry about it because it is only some type of “club” flag. d. notify the authorities because it means a boater is in trouble. Review Exercises Question 6 Once the correct answer is given ask the students to define the other terms or choices. It will serve as an additional review Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

Review Exercises 7. When towing a skier you should be sure: a. All tow lines are at least 50 feet long. b. The skier is wearing a ski belt. c. To stay at least 75 feet away from hazards, swimmers, and the shoreline. d. You put the engine in neutral before allowing the skier to climb aboard. e. You respond to the skier’s patting himself on the head by returning to the dock. Review Exercises Question 1 Once the correct answer is given ask the students to define the other terms or choices. It will serve as an additional review Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

End Chapter 7 Review End Chapter 7 Copyright Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

CHAPTER 7 Enjoying Water Sports With Your Boat

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CHAPTER 7 Enjoying Water Sports With Your Boat

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