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By planning ahead, paying attention to detail and following basic safety guidelines, you can ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers each time you head out on the open water in your rowboat.
BOAT SAFETY CHECKLIST
1. Have enough lifejackets for all boaters. Each boater inside the boat needs to have their own personal wearable flotation device (PFD). Seat cushions or throwable devices are no longer considered adequate protection.
2. Make sure your lights are working. All non-motorized boats must carry a white lantern or flashlight. Other boats should be able to see this light from a distance of two miles or more.
3. Check the anchor and its line. Every boat must carry an anchor. Check the anchor line for frays or tears and replace, if necessary.
4. Always carry a First Aid Kit.
5. Always carry an emergency repair kit which includes such quick repair items as duct tape, extra rope, aluminum or fiberglass repair shields or glue and other items you may feel are important.
6. Carry proper identification. In most states, this includes your drivers license and boating registration papers. Make your registration is current.
7. Check all ropes to be certain they're in safe operating condition. Each boat should have a bow and stern line, properly attached to the boat, but not hanging loose. Check each line for damage or wear. A throw rope of at least 50-feet in length should also be attached to the boat.
8. Check the overall condition of the exterior and interior of the boat. Pay special attention to the floor of the boat. Look for rips or wear to seam or jointed areas.
9. Check the condition of the oars.
BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT
Once your boat has been secured and you're certain it's in proper operating condition, make sure you haven't overlooked anything by running through this basic safety checklist.
1. Know the weather. Be aware of expected precipitation, water and air temperature, and wind speed.
2. Inform someone of your journey. Make sure someone knows where you're going and when you're expected to return.
3. Carry an emergency sound device, such as a whistle, horn or sounding flares to alert others of your situation, if need be.
4. Make sure you're dressed appropriately. You should wear layered clothing that can easily be removed. Shoes should always be worn by boaters. Other helpful clothing includes sunglasses, hats, a dry set of clothing and towels.
NOW THAT YOU'RE ON THE WATER
Rowboats can be fun for the whole family as long as you always keep safety in mind first.
NEVER STAND IN A BOAT
No matter how long you've been boating, never stand in a boat. The shift in weight can cause the boat to overturn quickly.
NEVER SIT ON THE SIDE OF THE BOAT
Always sit on the floor of the boat or on a boat seat.
AVOID EXHAUSTION
Rowing is hard work. Don't be afraid to share. Two can row as easily as one or trade off to avoid exhaustion.
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