As winter gives way to spring and summer awaits eagerly around the corner, most people are starting to think about sunshine, warmer days, and watersports. If you’re thinking of heading to Lake Arrowhead, one of California’s splendid lakes found in the San Bernardino Mountains, then we understand. What more can you want when you have the reservoir, the beautiful community, and the rich boating culture of the lake?
If you’re planning on taking your boat out on beautiful Lake Arrowhead, remember that safety must always come first. Whether you’re a novice or you were born and bred on a lake, here are the top 10 boating safety tips you need to keep in mind before going out on the water:
#1 Know the Rules
First and foremost, it’s important that you know the rules of the lake you’re going to be boating on. For instance, the Arrowhead Lake Association (ALA) revised their Boating and Swimming Rules on January 26th, 2019. Everything you need to know regarding boating (and general lake rules/etiquette) can be found in the document. Most every lake or boating area will have similar guidelines, which is meant to be read before taking a boat out.
#2 Safety Equipment
When it comes to any kind of motor sport, safety equipment is always a necessity. Being that water is involved with boating, that principle is amplified. Ensure that your boat has all the proper safety equipment onboard. This might include a:
- Flashlight
- First Aid Kit
- Fire Extinguisher
- Set of Life Jackets
- Whistle
- Flag (if someone is down in the water)
Of course, the list continues. But be sure to make a checklist and ensure everything is on there, then check to see if your rules state anything different. For instance, the ALA guidelines state: “suggested additional safety equipment: horn or whistle, paddle, towline, flashlight, first aid kit, bailing device and cellular phone…”
#3 Know the Weather
It would be unwise to venture out on a boating adventure without first checking the forecast. Look up the local weather forecast and discern if conditions are agreeable. Additionally, if you head out into the water and notice dark clouds hovering above, harsh or entropic winds, and/or lightning, then it’s important to return to the dock and leave the water.
#4 Lifejackets
It’s paramount to ensure that every passenger on the boat has a dedicated lifejacket, and that they know exactly where to find it. In the case of an accident, lifejackets can be the difference between life and death.
#5 Documents, Documents, Documents
You wouldn’t drive your car without your registration, insurance, and driver’s license, right? Same goes for boating. Be sure to have the proper documentation on you at all times, seeing as a Ranger or Patrol can pull you over if they feel the need. This documentation is dependent on context; whether you’re the owner, renter, etc.
#6 Make A Checklist for All the Above
Before you get on the boat, make a pre-boating checklist to be sure you’re bringing everything. You could even break the checklist down into relevant categories. For instance, it could be formatted as follows:
- General Equipment
- Safety Equipment
- Forecast Check
- Lifejacket Check/Passenger Count
- Documentation
- Food & Drinks
- Additional Equipment
Of course, this checklist will be tailored towards your specific boating experience. This way, it can serve as a fantastic tool to ensure the safety of your boating endeavors.
#7 Don’t Drink and Drive
The CG Recreational Boating Accident Report Database (BARD) released a report that showed in 2016 alone, over 200 recreational boating fatalities occurred at the hands of alcohol use. Not only can a boat operator get arrested for drinking and boating (DUI), but they put the lives of everyone at risk when they decide to operate a boat intoxicated. This type of behavior is what lake community law enforcement works to mitigate, seeing as drunk boat operating causes fatalities annually.
#8 Don’t Crowd the Boat
We know, everyone and their mother wants to join you on the boat. We’re well aware how quickly the “guest list” can multiply. But stuffing the boat only puts the passengers at further risk of capsizing or swamping. And, if it’s an inexperienced operator, then driving the boat will be exponentially harder, especially through tight turns. Be sure to know your boat’s maximum capacity and adhere to the number of passengers possible.
#9 Maintain and Service your Boat
It’s critical that you take care of your boat so it can be a reliable platform for you when you are out on the water. We recommend proper winterization before putting your boat away at the end of the season. Prior to launch, you should perform a full engine service and inspection to make sure the boat is running properly (or have a professional do it for you). In addition, we highly recommend regular inspections of the engine, bilges, and electrical system.
#10 Use Your Brain
We don’t mean to be crass on this tip, but truthfully, just use common sense. Plenty of boating errors could’ve been avoided if not for just a bit more focus, attention, and effort in the critical thinking department. If something feels wrong to you, trust your gut. If you find yourself lost between buoys, gaze out to identify the direction of oncoming boaters, then adjust accordingly. Stay alert, focused, and engaged.
Have Fun!
Boating is the type of experience that engrains itself in your memory. From the days out on the lake as a kid, to driving the youngsters around, nothing quite says excitement, youth, and summer like a boat on a lake. But, as with any motoring sport, it can present dangers.
Be sure to follow these safety tips, stay alert, and you shouldn’t run into any problems on your boating adventures!
Sources:
U.S. Coast Guard. US Department of Homeland Security. Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety. 2016 Recreational Boating Statistics. Retrieved from: https://www.uscgboating.org/library/accident-statistics/Recreational-Boating-Statistics-2016.pdf
Arrowhead Lake Association (ALA). Boating and Swimming Rules. Revised by the ALA of Directors January 26, 2019. Retrieved from: http://www.ala-ca.org/docs/Boating__Swimming_Rules_with_map_1-26-19.pdf
