July 15, 2006
From the back of the boat forward, from left to right: Patrick Hale, Patrick Hale II, Mickey Nash, Angel, and Laura Joseph. Photo by Teresa Markham.
by Teresa Markham, Injury Control and EMS
Summer is the season for boating. Whether you are traveling, fishing, logging or just going for a boat ride, be mindful of the dangers involved.
Before going boating, check the weather forecast and river conditions. Weather can make your boating experience a pleasure or a disaster. Learn your limits for operating in unfavorable circumstances. "When in doubt, chicken out!"
Avoid the "get-home-itis" bug. This is when the operator desires to get to their final destination no matter what the weather and water conditions are like. "Get-home-itis" can cause serious injury or can even be fatal! It's better to be late than never arrive at all.
Weather can change very quickly. Evaluate the weather before and during your boat trip. There is a multitude of weather resources:
- Radio stations
- VHF radio
- Television
- Internet
- Telephone
- Local knowledge; elders and experienced local boaters are a good source of local weather information.
Currents can cause rapid water condition changes and dangers. Currents also affect the boat's speed, how long it takes to get to your destination, and what heading must be maintained. Strong winds running against strong currents can cause steep standing waves. Currents meeting each other can cause rips, whirlpools, and standing waves.
Channels, within rivers, shift position over time and after heavy water flows. Generally, the deepest water is one-quarter of the river's width from the outside bank. When in doubt, follow the cut bank. Surface water patterns give indications of depth and current, but interpreting these patterns takes experience.
Hazards to be aware of when boating
- Currents are the strongest over the deepest part of the channel. Currents are stronger during and immediately following rain; water levels may also rise dramatically during this period. This affects the boat's speed and direction. It may overpower the boat. Upstream travel takes more fuel and time. Strong winds against currents and incoming tides can create turbulence.
- Sandbars can form on the inside of a bend, where two rivers join, near river mouths, and where water flow changes from rapid to slow. Sandbars, along with floating or submerged debris and rocks can cause any of the following: grounding, capsizing, being thrown from the boat, and damage to the lower engine, prop, and hull.
- Strainers, also known as sweepers, are obstructions in the water that allow water to pass through like trees, branches, and fences. Hazards for boaters, they hold and trap
- boats and/or people, capsizing and damaging the lower engine, prop, and hull.
Widowmakers are tree trunks extending over the river, near or at high water due to a collapsing riverbank. Be prepared for trees to fall from a bank in front of you, especially when the current is behind you. Widowmakers can sweep people out of the boat, hold and trap the boat and/or people, and capsize the boat.
Float plans should be a part of preparation for every boat trip. Leave a float plan with a reliable person who will miss you. Make sure the person knows:
- Who: Names and phone numbers of all people on board.
- Where: Intended route, alternate route(s), contingency plans (e.g., what you will do if the weather turns bad)
- When: When you are expected to arrive at your destination and return home
- What: A description of your boat and engine, equipment you are taking, what you plan to do
Once your trip ends, notify your contact so they know that you have arrived safely. Remember, if any or all of your plans change, notify the responsible person.
The Bethel Boat Harbor has started off the summer with safety of its boaters in mind.
The Port of Bethel, led by Port Director Heath Martin, has constructed brand new loaner life vest stations to hold vests of all sizes for boaters who do not have their own vests. These new structures serve as a great reminder to all families that wearing a life vest is essential to the safety of everyone on board. Wearing a life vest dramatically reduces one's chances of drowning when falling overboard.
Alaska state law requires that all children under the age of 13 must wear a PFD (personal flotation device) at all times while on the water. Boats must have at least one PFD for every person on the boat.
If you don't have a PFD, feel free to borrow one of these vests! However, vests MUST be returned after each use so that other people can use them.
Thank you to the Port of Bethel for caring about its customers.
Thank you to the State of Alaska Kids Don't Float program for the life vests.