Activity on the water takes many forms. Many people
are incidental boaters—they are engaged in some
other activity such as hunting and the boat is simply
a vehicle to their destination. Many are out on the
water for other forms of recreation. All face similar
risks, and there are many common rules and techniques
for the safe enjoyment of your sport. There
is equipment tailored to individual needs. All who
venture out on the water should know and understand
the rules and required equipment, and practice
basic safe boating.
This section contains additional considerations and
gives some tips.
1
2
Chapter 4
Section 13: Water Sports Safety
Inside this Chapter:
Special Equipment 151
Know the Waters 151
Night Activity 152
What to Do in an
Emergency 152
Check Weather before
Departure 152
Recreational Towing 153
Fishing and Hunting 155
Diving and Snorkeling 155
Paddle Sports 155
Hypothermia 158
Propeller Strikes 158
Boat Trailers 159
The Tow Vehicle 161
Hitching Systems 162
Before You Leave 162
Trailer Operation 162
Pre-Launch 164
Launch Procedures 164
Hauling Out 165
Sailboat Trailering 165
Trailer Maintenance 165
Theft Protection 166
Characteristics of a
PWC 167
How a PWC Works 168
Special PWC
Regulations 170
The Navigation Rules 172
Operate Your PWC
Safely 173
Considerate, Respon-
sible Operation 175
Types of Rope 176
The Cleat Hitch 177
The Bowline 179
Coiling a Line 180
Review 182