News Release Archives - June 2007
June 11, 2007
Summer Safety Encouraged on the Water
Memorial Day weekend generally kick-starts the summer boating season, and now that it has passed, even more water recreationists are sure to hit the water.
Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, urges boaters to exercise safety while on the water this summer to ensure that an enjoyable outing doesn’t end in a tragedy.
“We can’t stress enough how important it is for water recreationists to play it safe, be aware, and ensure proper navigation routes,” Boldt said.
Whether you’re navigating a boat on water or a vehicle on blacktop, many of the same rules apply. A troublesome issue on some waters in past years, according to Boldt, is anglers anchoring their boats under or directly in front of bridge openings. Anchoring under bridges interferes with normal boat traffic and causes congestion, as does a row of boats anchoring outside a bridge opening.
“This is against the law,” Boldt said. “It is illegal for a watercraft to obstruct or tend to obstruct ordinary navigation.”
Every boat operator should maintain a safe speed, be aware of their wake, and be able to take proper and effective action to avoid collisions, Boldt said. “All boaters should know and practice the navigation rules and maintain a clear and unobstructed view forward at all times,” she added. “Most boat collisions are caused by inattention.”
Personal flotation devices are also an important part of safety on the water, Boldt said.
State law requires recreational boaters to carry one Coast Guard approved life jacket in good condition and of the correct size for each person on board. North Dakota law also requires all children ages 10 and younger to wear a personal flotation device while in boats of less than 27 feet in length while the vessel is in operation. All personal watercraft users are required to wear a life jacket, as well as anyone towed on water skis, wakeboards or similar devices.
It is important youngsters wear a properly fitted and fastened life jacket. When purchasing a PFD, consider the most prevalent water activity. Water skiers and tubers should wear a life jacket with four nylon straps rather than one with a zipper, Boldt said, because straps are stronger than zippers upon impact with water. Anglers or persons paddling a canoe should opt for a PFD that is comfortable enough to wear for an entire outing.
Water skiers and tubers are reminded it takes three to ski and tube. When a person is towed on water skis or a similar device, an observer other than the operator is required on the vessel.
“Know what is below the water’s surface, especially near shore where most jet-skiing and water-skiing activity begins and ends,” Boldt said. “There can be larger objects under water that are hidden near shore, potentially leading to a significant injury.
“It is also important for swimmers to know the depth,” Boldt added, “as serious injuries can occur from diving into water of unknown depth.”
Regulations to help ensure safe boating this summer are found in the 2006-08 North Dakota Fishing Guide. A more comprehensive listing is available in the 2005-07 North Dakota Boat and Water Safety Guide or the Boat North Dakota Education Book. These guides are available online at the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov, by emailing ndgf@nd.gov, or at a local Game and Fish Department office.
Will open a new window (pop-up).