Boating Safety for Hunters
Each fall hunters take to the water in various styles of boats to pursue their quarry. Regardless of the game they seek, boating hunters need to realize the risks associated with cold water boating and prepare accordingly.
Nationally, boating accidents claim the lives of more hunters annually than gunshot wounds. Hunting-related drownings are usually the result of an overloaded boat or improperly dressed boater. By preparing for cold water and taking steps to minimize the inherent risks, hunters can improve their chances of a safe hunt.
When planning a hunt by boat, the following tips should be taken into consideration:
Hunters must follow all boating regulations regarding required equipment and capacities. This includes having a wearable, Coast-Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board, staying within the posted capacity limits for their boat, and having the required safety equipment on board.
Always wear a life jacket. Wearing a life jacket during fall hunting or boating outings is a must. Many styles of life jackets are available in various camouflage patterns that complete the hunting ensemble. Life jackets also provide excellent insulation against the cold, wind, and rain.
Check the capacity plate and be certain not to overload. Remember decoys, dogs and hunters add a lot of weight quickly. Do not exceed capacity plate limits for weight or the number of persons. Dogs should be counted as persons when considering number of persons on board.
Spread the weight of the load evenly through the boat. An unbalanced boat can capsize easily or shift suddenly and cause a person to fall overboard.
To set out decoys, simply toss them overboard. Retrieving decoys safely is best done using a pole with a hook that can snag the anchor line of the decoy to avoid leaning out over the water. Remember, to prevent capsizing, stay low and in the center of the vessel.
Stay seated or kneel when shooting from a boat. Standing to shoot can unbalance and possibly capsize a small boat.
Dress to protect against hypothermia, the rapid reduction of body temperature that occurs when boaters fall into cold water. Any water with a temperature below 70 degrees is considered cold enough to trigger hypothermia. In cold water, body heat is lost 25 times faster than in air of the same temperature. Dress in layers of clothing that will trap body heat even when wet. Polypropylene or wool are good materials for such conditions. Avoid 100 percent cotton fabrics.
If you should find yourself in the water, relax and stay with the boat. Try to climb into your boat, or on top of your capsized boat to wait for someone to rescue you. Do not worry about trying to salvage gear. Anything that falls overboard is of less value than your own life.
Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol not only impairs judgement and reflexes but also dilates blood vessels, which can speed up the effects of hypothermia. |