Tag: boat safety

How to Handle Inclement Weather at the Lake

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Steve Brimm via Lake Superior Magazine

In part due to climate change, extreme weather is increasing across the world. As a result, heavier rains and high winds directly affect freshwater systems. Since we spend a lot of time outdoors at the lake, it’s crucial to know what to do when encountering these extreme conditions. To make it easier, we compiled a few basic rules to help you stay safe in inclement weather at the lake.

Thunder and Lightning

Photo courtesy of Matt Hufstetler via Price County Review

According to the CDC, the optimal rule for this type of inclement weather is: “When thunder roars, go indoors!” It’s no wonder why. Where thunder is, lightning is not far behind, which is dangerous or even fatal. To protect yourself from thunder and lightning at the lake, keep the 30-30 rule in mind. If you see lightning, count to 30. If you hear thunder before reaching 30, go indoors and do not go back outside until 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder. 

Also, keep in mind that lightning is essentially a giant electrical blast in the sky. As such, it can travel through metal and electronic devices, and it’s best to avoid these materials during a storm. This also includes avoiding water since lightning can travel through plumbing.

High Winds

Photo courtesy of The Hartford

According to The Weather Channel, high winds are the biggest threat to boaters in lake areas. These winds create choppy waves that can easily overturn a boat or fill it with water. This can be especially detrimental if improper flotation devices are used. Be sure to check the weather ahead of time and avoid going out on the lake in high winds. If you do end up there, according to Boatus, “head into the waves at a slight angle, and reduce your speed. This will help you maintain control and avoid falling off of a wave or having a wave break over your stern.” Also, avoid large areas of open water as winds are likely to be stronger there. If you’re caught outside on the land, a good rule of thumb is to seek shelter next to a building.

Tornadoes

Photo courtesy of Espen Bierud on Unsplash

If your lake house is located in the southeast or midwest, chances are, you’re no stranger to tornadoes. These regions most commonly experience tornadoes, especially during the late spring and early summer. A common myth about tornadoes is that they cannot cross lakes or other bodies of water. However, this is simply false. Tornadoes can cross bodies of water, and they can also form on bodies of water — a phenomenon known as a “waterspout.” Tornadoes can also change directions at any time, so anticipating their specific route will not ensure safety. Seek shelter immediately during a tornado in an interior room on the lowest floor of your building.

Hurricanes

Image courtesy of Open Water Chicago via WBCKFM.com

Typically, we think of hurricanes as a form of inclement weather that only affects beach houses. However, hurricanes can still be an issue if you live on a lake in a coastal region. For example, in 1996, a dangerous hurricane hit the Great Lakes region. Although this is the only time a Category I hurricane has impacted the Great Lakes, it’s not entirely out of the question. If you find yourself facing a hurricane, be sure to avoid low-lying, flood-prone areas and instead seek higher ground. And of course, staying away from windows is critical due to the threat of glass breaking.

Snow and Hail

Image courtesy of WNEP.com

Although many forms of inclement weather take place in the spring and summer, there are certain conditions to watch out for during the winter months. To protect you and your lake home from the damage of snow, you can prepare your house by securing your pipes for the winter and owning a snow shovel and other tools. However, one often overlooked form of inclement weather is a hailstorm. They form when raindrops are carried upwards by thunderstorm drafts. 

According to the NOAA, hailstorms outnumber thunderstorms in the U.S. with a 5 to 1 ratio. At a lake house, the best thing to do is take cover. Another important thing to remember is that if you have a garage, use it! Vehicle damage is very common with hailstorms, as these heavy balls of ice can easily break through glass. For the same reason, stay away from windows in your lake house. 

From us at Lake Homes Realty, stay safe out there!

Boating 101: 15 Essential Items for Your Day on the Lake

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

BoatingEveryone loves to go boating, but some forget to pack important items needed for the trip. This information has been compiled in order to help you stay on track with your boating venture. There is nothing worse than packing everyone up and arriving to your destination to not be able to have the most fun because you forgot something.

Here is a list of 15 items that are essential in almost any of your boat outings!

#1: Boat Registration

This is important to have before the boat touches the water. It is a requirement in order to operate the vessel.

#2: Camera

Make sure to take a waterproof camera to ensure you can capture the memories.

#3: Marine Radio or Waterproof Cell Phone

This is important for your safety should you become stranded.

#4: Clothes

Just in case an emergency should happen and you are stranded, you may need to take clothing (protected by plastic) to change into should your clothes become wet.

#5: Cooler

If you are going to go fishing, then you will need a cooler for the fish. You will also need a cooler for you drinks or your food.

#6: First Aid Kit

Face it, accidents happens. It is important to have a first aid kit with you for the safety of you and those with you.

#7: Fire Extinguisher

This is self-explanatory. If your engine catches fire, you will most likely want to put it out!

#8: Fishing License

You will need your license on you if you plan on doing some fishing (unless it is private property and you own the lake).

#9: Hand Sanitizer and Wipes

You will be handling a lot of things that hold bacteria. It is important to take wipes and hand sanitizer with you on your trip.

#10: Repellent

Most times it is important to take insect repellent to keep bugs off of you . You are in nature, it will happen.

#11: Food and Beverages

Take food and beverages with you, you never know when you’ll want a snack.

#12: Personal Floatation Devices – PFDs

You will need to make sure each passenger has a PFD for safety. This is a must.

#13: Visual Distress Signals

This is important to have if you are far away from land and your radio is not responsive. This will alert people to your location and that you need help.

#14: Map and Compass

Just in case you venture too far out on the water, you will need to be able to work your way back to land. The map and compass will allow you to stay in control of where you are.

#15: Sunscreen

You will be outdoors, and the reflection of the sun’s rays off of the water can quicken the effect of sunburn.

Make sure that all of these items are packed before you leave for a boat outing. It is suggested to make a list of everything you need to take and everything you want to take to ensure you leave nothing behind, especially anything that is listed here.

Essential Items to Always Keep Aboard Your Boat

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

There are many ways that you can ensure safety as well as enjoyment as a boat operator. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with boat safety equipment and consider items that will provide peace of mind while using your vessel.

First, always ensure that you have the valid Certificate of Number or registration card while the boat is in use. This will allow you to prove registration and ownership.

You should keep at least one wearable life jacket for each person on board your boat. The life jackets must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved, which will be indicated on the label. They also must be the appropriate size for each person and in good condition. A life ring or flotation cushion must be kept on board for vessels 16 feet or longer.Essential Item: Life jacket

In the case of an emergency, a whistle and an emergency light are necessary. Emergency lights come in many varieties. Varieties such as strobe lights that can be attached to the boat, lantern-styles, and utility style for bright, adequate illumination.

Distress signals are required for boat use as well. These signals can be orange distress flags (used by day only) or signal flares (for use by night).

Another required item to keep on board is a fire extinguisher. Although you are surrounded by water, it is still necessary to keep a fire extinguisher handy in case of a fire while under way. Be sure that you have the correct type for your boat, meeting the minimum requirements for the size and type of your vessel.

There are some situations in which you may need to make lots of noise. Noise besides that of the laughter and fun from passengers on board. In meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations, sound signals are required, particularly during times of reduced visibility or while at anchor. You will need to keep at least one sound producing device available. These can be a bell, a whistle, air horn, or gong.

To aid in navigation, it is helpful to keep a waterproof map available for reference. Many boats come equipped with GPS, which is the most convenient way to navigate waters. But, in the absence of GPS, keeping a waterproof map would ensure efficient navigation.

Waterproof maps also inform you of any marine hazards, general configuration, and character of the lake floor. They also include prominent landmarks and port facilities.

Besides safety equipment, there are many things that you can keep on your boat that will ensure comfort and convenience. A VHF Radio would be used for communication and emergency traffic, and an AM-FM radio would be great for your favorite tunes or to catch up on local news.

Essential Items: compassA compass is a great idea to keep on board, as well. You can purchase a magnetic compass to ensure that your boat is pointed in the right direction at all times.

Be sure to always keep a tow line on board, and that it is an efficient length. 75′ is recommended, by at least 1/2″ thick. A small marine tool kit and spare parts would come in handy should you ever find yourself in a situation that requires repair.

Waterproof flashlights in various sizes and styles can be purchased as well. These are easy to tuck into a small space out of the way. Don’t forget extra batteries! Extra fuel is a plus, as well as a First Aid Kit, cell phone, (in a waterproof case), personal identification, and binoculars.

To ensure personal comfort, carry with you a change of clothes and foul weather gear such as a poncho or rain jacket. Also keep sunscreen, bottled water, and snacks, in order to combat UV rays, and stay hydrated.

To make things easy for yourself, create a Pre-Departure Checklist to be sure you haven’t forgotten anything once you’re underway.

Preparation is key to having a great time.  With proper safety and convenient equipment, you can enjoy hours on your boat in relaxation, fun, and pleasure.

Boating Etiquette for Beginners

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Boating is a way of life for water lovers, which is why there are certain rules that must be followed to ensure everyone’s safety.

If you’re new to boating, here are some general boating etiquette tips & advice (for both passengers and pilots) you should be aware of to ensure passenger safety, both on and off the water.

Launching and Returning Your Boat

It’s important to launch and return your boat as efficiently as possible.  Other boaters will likely be waiting in or around the ramp or dock, so exercising discretion and care while launching or returning is critically important. Important rules to remember:

  • Become familiar with the procedures of a particular facility ahead of time
  • Prepare your boat by taking off tie-down straps and covers in an out-of-the-way place. Load coolers, tackle, and other gear ahead of time as well
  • Once you have launched, move quickly aside (but not hurriedly) to allow other boaters to do the same

When returning, tie up your boat on the opposite side of the dock so that other boaters may take off while you are retrieving your tow vehicle.

Marina Etiquette

Marina etiquette is an integral part of boating etiquette to pay attention to.  After refueling or loading your boat at the marina, move to a temporary docking station and park if you need to go inside for groceries or other items. Don’t keep others waiting while you take care of business. At the marina, you should also:

  • Keep your area clean and free of debris
  • Assist other boaters who are docking and de-boarding
  • Put carts and other equipment intended for common use back where it belongs when you are finished

Boating Safety On the Water

Boat wakes can cause damage to floating docks, can cause seawall damage, and have even thrown children off floating docks. Keep in mind that you are responsible for your own wake, and should be accountable for any damage you cause by it.

If your wake causes other boaters distress, knocking items (or people) off a dock, you could be held liable for damages or injuries. Be mindful of wake zones at all times and remain in compliance.

When overtaking a boat, allow for as much room as depth conditions allow for. Consider your wake, and slow your speed if necessary to ensure you don’t rock the other vessel. If that vessel is a sailboat, overtake it by passing astern to avoid blocking its wind. If you are the vessel being passed, slow your speed to a reasonable clip to allow the other boater to get around you safely.

Leave plenty of anchorage between yourself and other boaters, especially when carrying multiple passengers or playing loud music. Sound carries much farther on the water, and you want to avoid disturbing your neighbors if at all possible. Avoid traveling between a fishing boat and the bank, even if that watercraft does not appear to be moving.

Rules of Anchoring Your Boat

Boat anchorWhen first entering an anchorage, reduce your speed significantly so as not to create any wake at all. The rules of anchoring deem that the first person into the anchorage is the one who determines the swing radius. Mimic the leader in how you tie off and anchor, and use roughly the same amount of distance between boats.

These boating etiquette rules will go a long way toward ensuring your time on the water is as pleasant as possible. Boating consists of a tight-knit community of individuals, which is why good manners are so important.