The definition of summer is a relative thing. In Alaska, for example, a few days above 65°F has all the boaters coming out of the woodwork. Boating in warm weather presents its own exceptional problems for boaters. There are things that can be done while boating to make summer safer and more enjoyable for everyone concerned.
Boat Motion Hypnosis
The effect of engine vibration, glare, heat, noise, alcohol use and boat motion produce fatigue in boat operators. These impacts are synergistic, that is adding each individual factor together is greater than the sum of the effects. The normal fatigue experienced by a boater is very similar to impairment caused by alcohol use.
Avoid or severely limit alcohol use while boating. Eat before drinking alcohol and be sure one qualified non-drinking boat operator is always onboard. Take frequent breaks and drink lots of water. Rotate operation of the boat among qualified operators. Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol is illegal and in the USA carries the same penalties in most states as driving a car under the influence.
Life Jackets or Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
When the weather is hot, the immediate temptation for most boaters is to avoid wearing their lifejackets. Summer weather is the perfect excuse to purchase a new and more comfortable lifejacket. There many new Coast Guard approved PFDs on the market that are easy and cool to wear. Some of the new lifejackets come in the form of mesh fishing vests, belt mounted packs and suspenders. A compact PFD that is easy and comfortable to carry is more likely to be carried.
Many waters traveled by boaters in the United States and Canada are considered cold for safety purposes throughout the entire year. Any water with a temperature of less than 65°F (20°C) can adversely affect a person in the water. Wearing a lifejacket dramatically improves the chances of surviving an inadvertent fall overboard into cold water.
Biting and Stinging Insects
Nothing can ruin an outdoor adventure quicker than a swarm of biting flies or mosquitoes. There are effective repellents on the market based on the well known DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), IR3535 (3-[N- butyl-N- acetyl]-aminopropionic acid) a biopesticide, and Piperidine (Hexahydropyridine) derived from peppers. Mosquitoes are not only pests, but are responsible for the spread of West Nile virus infections across North America.
Rapidly Building Thunderstorms
Good boaters keep a weather eye out for changing conditions. Towering cumulonimbus clouds are a common site as warm surface temperatures cause air to rise rapidly and promote thunderstorm development. Thunderstorms generate severe weather that can include high winds, increased wave height, lightning, tornadoes and hail. None are good for small craft.
Local weather patterns often see the development of thunderstorms in the late afternoon or early evening. Wise boaters avoid open water during these periods. Finding a safe shelter and letting a storm pass is often a much better option than trying to outrun the poor weather to home.
Enjoy summer boating in the warm weather. Too much of a good thing could lead to a discussion of sunscreen…
