America’s Boating Course 3 rd Edition

1. America’s Boating Course3rd Edition Water Sports Safety Chapter 4 Section 13 >> 1

2. Boating Is Fun !! >>

3. Special Gear • High-impact for waterskiing • Flexible for paddle sports • Bright colors for hunters • Survival suits for frigid waters • Helmets for potential contact >> 3

4. Inherently buoyant designed for paddlers Inflatables also for kayakers Today’s PFDs: For Paddlers Wear your life jacket! >> 4 * courtesy Kōkatat

5. Courtesy: Conn. DEP, Boating Division Helmets • Required in whitewater >> 5

6. Know Local Waters • Know location of hazards • Be aware of shallow waters • Carry compass & charts (local, large scale) • GPS recommended • Learn basics of navigation (piloting) >> 6

7. Night Activity • Regulations • Anchor light on, or … • Navigation lights on • Reduce speed • Listen for other boats • PWC Operations • None permitted • Local times vary >> 7

8. R “16” Fl R 4s Night Activity Nite shapes • Visibility • Lighted buoys • Be able to recognize Be seen >> 8

9. Emergency Actions • Use PFDs • Stay with the boat • Use sound & visual distress signals • Secure boat if in a current >> 9

10. PWCs & Water Skiing Observer 3-seater PWC Impact rated Type III PFD State requirements vary – know yours >> 10

11. Turn right (right hand) Turn left (left hand) Return to dock Skier OK Slow down Speed OK Speed up Waterskiing Hand Signals >> 11

12. Hold Ski High When Down Skier OK after falling – visible to other boats >> 12

13. Responsible Tubing • Driver should: • Avoid sharp turns • Be aware of fixed objects in your path • Avoid excessive speed • No jumping of wakes • An observer is required • Observer and Tuber: • Use hand signals to communicate • Observer must always watch the tuber >>

14. Fishing & Hunting • You are a boater – follow the rules • Check the weather – know when to seek shelter • Assign regions for shooting or casting • Be aware of recoil or backswing >> 14

15. Fishing & Hunting • High Fatality Rates due to • Ready for sport – but not boating • Vessels have low freeboard • Not watching other boats or weather • Accidents in cold weather – hypothermia • Waders filling with water >> 15

16. Diving & Snorkeling • Diver flags: Code A, Diver-down • Stay clear of area • Follow state & local regulations >> 16

17. Paddle Sports • Kayak or canoe = boat, follow the rules • Don’t travel alone – no immediate help • Beware uncharted objects, out-of-sight, currents, low-head dams, obstacles • Low profile causes low visibility >> 17

18. River Boating Considerations Caution, caution, caution … >> 18

19. “Strainers” Courtesy: Conn. DEP, Boating Division River Dangers >> Current 19 19

20. River Sports If trapped in flowing water, keep feet up & pointed downstream Protect Your Head >> 20

21. Paddle Sport Safety Canoes account for 75% of paddle sport fatalities Maintain 3-points of contact when boarding or moving about >> 21

22. Low Head Dam Dam Courtesy: Conn. DEP, Boating Division >> 22

23. Low Head Dam • Circulating current traps debris • Stay clear of dam structure • Drop can be several feet >> 23

24. Backroller Backwash Escape Route Low Head Dam Low Head Dam Escape route is near the bottom >> 24

25. Hypothermia Review • Hypothermia Stages • Stage 1: Initial “cold shock” (likely to cause death) • Stage 2: Short-term “swim failure” • Stage 3: Long-term immersion hypothermia • Stage 4: Post-immersion collapse (likely to cause death) >> 25

26. * courtesy Kōkatat Cold Water Protection • Not always optional … >> 26

27. Propeller Strikes • Prop Injuries • Edges are sharp • Can maim – for life • Skiing, swimming, diving • Precautions … • Stop Engines • Lock in gear • Use a reboarding ladder 27 LAST

28. End Section 13 END