Boating Safety During the Winter

The Coast Guard is urging boaters to take extreme caution when on or near the water, particularly when heavy weather is in store in places such as the Pacific Northwest. Regardless of where you live, if you boat in the winter heed these safety precautions while boating:

• Before boating, file a float plan with a responsible individual who knows your intentions, location and who they should call if you do not return as scheduled.

• Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and set the example for your passengers or paddling partners.

• Carry a marine VHF radio and other reliable means of communication.

“The safest course of action in bad weather is to not go out on the water at all,” said Lt. Ron Owens, Response Division Officer at Coast Guard Sector Seattle. “When it comes to boating and weather conditions; if you don’t know, don’t go.”

At the very least, know the marine weather forecast and what each weather advisory, watch or warning means on the Beaufort Scale of Wind Force.