Getting Caught in a Storm While Boating

There's nothing better than laying in the sun on your boat, floating around the lake, and relaxing while fishing; however, not every day is sunny and 75.

With summer comes thunder storms, and they can escalate quickly. Here's a photo of Lake Wallenpaupack that proves how fast things can go from bad to worse on the lake.

 

 

 

 

So what do you do if you're far from the dock and the rain starts coming down?

1. Put on your life jacket. Don't take any chances in a storm. Wearing your life jacket can save your life, especially in unpredictable weather.

2. Take shelter. If you can safely beach your boat and take shelter on land then do so. If you are not close to land then take shelter in the lowest part of the vessel.

3. Do not anchor. Unless there is an immediate threat of drifting ashore, it's best to keep the anchor in the boat.

4. Sit on the floor. Avoid standing or rocking the boat. Stay near the floor. 

5. Drive slowly. If you have to keep moving then slow your pace down and take into account the visibility level.

6. Do not panic. Keeping your calm is extremely important in dangerous weather. Panicking may cause you to make irrational decisions so keep your cool.


The best thing to do is to avoid being caught on the water in a storm in the first place. Make sure you're aware of weather conditions and read the sky. Get off of the water at the first sign of inclement weather. As our photo shows, it can get pretty bad in a matter of minutes.

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Preventing a Boat Fire

The number one fear of any boater is a fire onboard. While offshore, you cannot pull over and flee from a burning vehicle. There is no escape route from fire or the toxic fumes fiberglass emits while burning. However, protecting you and your boat from fire is easier than you think.

Outnumbering other boat fire causes two to one, fuel related fires happen most frequently and are usually the most avoidable fires. By following the Coast Guard recommended procedures, you can easily prevent a fuel related boat fire. First, close all openings and hatches before fueling. Make sure to extinguish all smoking materials, turn off engines, stoves, and all electrical equipment, and have all passengers get off the boat. While fueling, keep the nozzle in direct contact with the tank and clean up any spilled fuel. Ventilate the boat when finished and run the blower for at least four minutes. Lastly, check the bilges for fuel vapors before you start the engines. The best way to detect vapors is by smell. Do not start the engines if you smell fuel vapors.

The second leading cause of boat fires is electrical issues. During do-it-yourself installations of equipment and wiring, it is important not to use electrical tape. Use a liquid electrical tape that is carried by marine stores and make sure all connections are made by a single wire of the proper gauge, without splices. Corrosion and signs of worn wiring should be checked for often, along with checking your electrical system. If you find signs of damage or age, new wiring is worth the install.

Proper maintenance of your vessel can prevent fires and save lives. You must always have a Coast Guard required fire extinguisher. Know how to use the fire extinguisher and inspect it once a month. It is also a good idea to have a professional install an extinguishing system in your engine box. Applying fire retardant to all upholstery and storing flammable materials away from the engine compartment and in an area that is well ventilated will buy you some time in the event a fire does occur.

Trailering Your Boat Safely

 

With the fall season coming up, many boats will be loaded on trailers and towed to different locations for winter storage. Make sure you know how to trailer your boat safely with these tips:

• Verify the towing capacity of your vehicle. This information is in the owner’s manual. Also, verify the dry weight of the boat. Keep in mind that the dry weight does not include fuel or gear.
• Be familiar with your state trailering laws. Different states may have particular requirements based on weight and beam of the boat.
• Maintain your trailer like you would your boat. Every time you launch or retrieve your boat, your trailer is submerged under water. Inspect the hubs, trailer bunks, tires, and the lights on your trailer to make sure everything is in good condition.

For more information on trailering your boat safely, check out Discover Boating.

Boating Safety for Children

 

Boating is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. Whether tubing, water skiing, sailing, or just lounging around on the water, there is no better place to connect with loved ones than outdoors. Nevertheless, it is very important to keep everyone's safety in mind. Did you know that Pennsylvania law states anyone 13 years and younger must wear a PFD (personal flotation device) at all times while on a vessel? Here are some other tips to consider while boating with kids:

Wear the right life jacket – Make sure kids not only wear a life jacket that is U.S. Coast Guard approved, but that it also fits them correctly. While raising both arms straight up, the life jacket should not reach the child’s chin or ears. A life jacket should be snug and fit securely. For more information on choosing the right life jacket, click here.

Keep warm – Children and babies are at a higher risk for hypothermia. It may not feel cold to you but a child may not be able to handle the temperature as well. Make sure you properly dress them, and wrap them with blankets or towels if they are shivering.

Set safety rules – Set some rules to keep kids safe on the boat. No running, no roughhousing, and no jumping are some good rules to follow. Make sure they are aware of the boundaries on the boat and where they are allowed to go while on-board.

Be prepared – No matter how careful you are, sometimes things go wrong. Ensure that you can handle a situation should one arise. Learn CPR, install a carbon monoxide alarm to alert you of toxic fumes, and make everyone aware of the location of the fire extinguisher.

Teach children the difference between swimming in a pool as opposed to open water – Unlike a pool, open water has uneven surfaces, currents, and an unknown bottom. You never know what is under the surface, so kids should not dive into open water or swim too far away from the boat.

Supervise children – Each child is different and has unique capabilities. Enroll your child in swimming lessons so they learn how to tread water, float, and swim. Keep an eye on them when they are in the water and never allow a teen to operate a vessel without supervision.

Water Tubing Safety Tips - PoconoActionSports.com

Tubing is one of the most enjoyable activities you can do on the water. It is fun for adults and children! Just like every other water sports activity, you should always be safe and we have put together some tips on how to do just that.

1. Always wear a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) – A PFD should always be worn by the rider to ensure safety if they should be separated from the boat.

2. Know your equipment – The manufacturer has recommendations for size, weight, age limits, towing speed, and number of riders for their products. Be familiar with these recommendations and follow them.

3. Know your rider – Never put the rider’s safety at risk. Know the experience and comfort level of the rider and do not exceed them. The rider should always feel safe.

4. Know the water regulations – Bodies of water have different regulations to keep boaters safe. Be familiar with the regulations of the body of water you are playing on, including towing speeds.

5. Have someone to spot – A “spotter” should be a person onboard to keep a lookout for the rider. The spotter can alert the driver when a rider has fallen off the tube so the driver can focus on approaching obstacles.

6. Be a responsible driver – Just like operating a car, the boat operator should know the rules and regulations and should be alert and sober. Many boaters enjoy the water at the same time, so the driver should be attentive to other boats and possible hazards like rocks, docks, and buoys.

7. Make sure your towline is secure - In addition to making sure the towline is securely attached to the boat, you should always check it for fraying or wear and tear. Only use a rope that is designated for towing inflatables and replace it if it shows signs of damage.

8. Check before you start – Make sure your rider is all set to go before you start. If there is more than one rider, they should understand how to steady and balance their weight and all riders should have a secure grip on the tube.

9. Use extreme caution when pulling multiple tubes – Keep an extra careful eye on the tubes when you are towing more than one at the same time. Make sure the tubes do not collide or crash into each other and travel the boat at a slower speed.

10. Handle wakes with caution – When crossing wakes, slow the boat down so the tube does not bounce off the wakes. If riders are stomach-down when hitting wakes at fast speeds it can cause back injury.

If you are safe while tubing, it can be one of the most fun experiences on the water. Use caution and common sense and have fun while you visit the Poconos and Lake Wallenpaupack!