Boating Safety

Boating Safety

Each year more hunters die from drowning and the effects of hypothermia than from gunshot wounds. Statistics show that the majority of capsizing and falls overboard occur with boats less than 20 feet in length. Some boat designs are not as stable as others. Hunters often use smaller, more easily transportable crafts like john boats, bass boats or canoes. These types of boats, because of their flat bottoms or narrow beams, are more prone to swamping or capsizing. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s) are essential and should be worn at all times. Special wearable flotation vests and coats for hunting are available and are comfortable and warm for the coldest duck and goose hunting days.

Engine/Propulsion Cut-Off Switches

In 2021, the US congress passed the “Engine cut off switch mandatory wear” law. It requires the operator to wear the ECOS (engine cut off switch) device on certain recreational vessels less than 26 in length with an engine capable of 115 lbs., which equates to about three horsepower or more. It also requires operators to use ECOS link while navigating on plane or above displacement speed. Using the ECOSL is not required when the main helm is installed within an enclosed cabin. For more information regarding this law please refer to the U.S. Coast Guard’s FAQs at https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/engine-cut-off-switch-faq.php

Primary Causes of Hunting-related Water Deaths:

• Hypothermia – The rapid loss of body heat in cold water
• “Dry” Drowning – Constriction of the throat due to a sudden inrush of water, resulting in suffocation
• “Wet” Drowning – The displacement of air in the lungs with water
• Massive Heart Attacks in older, out-of-shape non-swimmers in cold water
• Being run over by own boat, especially when starting in gear and not wearing your engine cut-off switch

Most drownings could have been prevented. Drownings occur because the victim made the wrong decision; did not realize the dangers of boating in rough, cold water; was not properly prepared; had the wrong equipment; or failed to wear a PFD (life jacket).

Boating Safety Tips:

• Wear your PFD (life jacket)
• Never cross large bodies of water during rough weather in a boat that can’t take the conditions due to size and/or overloading.
• Stay with your boat if you capsize and can’t get to shore. Try to climb on it.
• Avoid standing up or moving around the boat.
• Never move about your boat with a loaded firearm.
• Read the capacity plate attached to the inside hull as a guide to keep from overloading your boat.
• Distribute your gear evenly.
• Don’t drink alcohol. Alcohol lowers your body’s core temperature and encourages individuals to take chances they wouldn’t normally take. Guns, alcohol and/or drugs don’t mix. It is illegal to be in possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in a public place.

Did you know?

CPR can save your life! Cold water not only kills, but in some instances, it preserves. Warming drowning victims from the inside out by CPR or warm, moist inhalation may bring them back to life!