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U.S. Coast Guard Offers Fall Boating Tips
Thursday, September 08, 2011
 PITTSBURGH, PA -- Many boaters who have put their boats away for the year shortly after Labor Day are missing out on a variety of boating opportunities available in the fall months. The cooler weather associated with Fall provides great visual displays and enjoyable boating.
Annually Pennsylvanians anticipate the spectacular colors of the trees, but miss out on some of the best views which are actually on many waterways. On a bright sunny day, boaters can get twice the color show with the trees reflecting off the water.
Whether fishing or enjoying the fall colors from the water, boaters need to prepare for conditions unique to the season. To ensure a safe autumn outing, the United States Coast Guard and its Auxiliary civilian volunteers offer these tips to take into consideration.
- Check water levels and conditions before heading out. These include levels at your boat slip or launch ramp and when you are underway. Lower water levels in the fall create obstruction hazards different from those in summer months. For example, boaters could encounter submerged logs, trees and other debris in the water that they would not normally have to deal with earlier in the year during higher current flows.
- File a float plan with someone on-shore with details about your trip, destination and approximate time to return. For more information, visit http://www.uscgaux.org/~floatplan.
- Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. While there might be some bright sunny days left, the cool night temperatures are causing water temperatures to drop. One of the major causes of boating fatalities is immersion hypothermia, the rapid reduction of body temperature which occurs when boaters fall into cold water. Any water with a temperature below 70 degrees Fahrenheit is considered cold enough to trigger hypothermia.
- Always wear a Life Jacket, regardless of swimming skills. A life jacket allows a boating mishap victim to stay afloat. The shock of falling into frigid water has claimed hundreds of experienced swimmers nationally. Wearing a life jacket during fall boating outings is a must. While keeping a victim afloat, a life jacket provides excellent insulation against the cold, wind and rain.
- If you should find yourself in the water, relax and stay with the boat. Try to climb out of the water and on top of your capsized boat to wait for someone to rescue you, if you are alone. Do not worry about trying to salvage gear; anything that falls overboard is of less value than your own life.
Submitted by:
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
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