Safety First

Highway to the Danger Zone Avoid dangers both above and below the waterline while boating.

HELEN AITKEN is a boating writer, photographer and science educator from eastern North Carolina. She loves classic wooden boats, is a U.S. Power Squadrons member and plays in the Intracoastal Waterway. Visit her website at

AITKENHELEN.COM.

Whether you’re on a boat, tubing or swimming, never underestimate the power of the Great Lakes. Water depth and lake characteristics can be deceptive and are prone to changing rapidly. Some dangers are in plain sight while others hide below the surface. Here are some tips to avoid the “Highway to the Danger Zone” while out on the water.

On the water Before going out, check the weather conditions. Calm waters may become choppy and waves may form when the wind direction and velocity changes. Keep your VHF radio on and locate the weather frequency, or use a weather app on your phone.

Lake visibility decreases farther from shore. Dropoffs can occur anywhere, while currents, waves and rising water can be more powerful than anticipated.

Below the water Lake bottoms can vary with rocks, logs, sediment and debris moved by strong winds and fast currents. Humans add trash like glass, aluminum cans, plastics and fishing hooks. Monitor the shoreline and open waters for submerged objects, especially after storms. If you can’t see the bottom, you don’t know what can hurt you or damage your boat.

Rip currents These strong undercurrents can be life-threatening. They often occur near piers or as wave height increases and quickly “rip” a swimmer away from shore into deeper water. Watch for notifications or ask a lifeguard about water conditions before swimming. If in doubt, don’t go out. If you get caught in a rip current, stay calm. Flip onto your back and float with the current, keeping your head above water until you can move perpendicularly to the shore and then call for help.

Hypothermia and drowning Expect water temperatures to be colder than the air and to significantly drop below the surface. Water temperatures less than 70 degrees can lead to hyperthermia and can be fatal, so dress appropriately.

Cold water immersions produce a gasp reflex and hyperventilation, giving you approximately one minute to control breathing before drowning. If breathing is controlled, you have approximately 10 minutes before losing the ability to move, swim or get back into a boat. Last year, 97 people drowned in the Great Lakes, totaling 843 victims since 2010, according to the The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.

Be aware of other boaters Human error, alcohol and a lack of knowledge are the main causes of boating accidents. Unfortunately, inexperienced boaters pose a problem for everyone on the water, so watch out for the other guy. Recognize and follow the rules of the road and demonstrate boater etiquette and seamanship on the water. Watch your speed, reduce your wake and take precautions to avoid dangers to your boat and passengers. Stay hydrated and use sunscreen.

Don’t drop anchor near submerged cables, signed danger zones, wildlife protected areas, bridges and dams. Keep the engine running near a dam where water may be released, preceded by a siren blast.

BUIs Drinking and driving on the road isn’t tolerated, and it’s not tolerated on the water either. Poor decisions and slow reaction times are exacerbated with alcohol use, wind and sun exposure.

Alcohol-related accidents and deaths are avoidable, and BUIs (boating under the influence) affect a driver’s record and insurance premiums.

Carbon monoxide Carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness and death in a short amount of time. On a boat, it’s typically produced by engines and generator exhaust outlets, then it gets trapped in enclosed areas, hovers near swim platforms, back decks or even along docks. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur at speed, anchored or while idling. If you have carbon monoxide monitors on your boat, never ignore a sounding alarm. Fresh air and medical attention are required for a suspected poisoning.

Final notes Follow Coast Guard regulations, wear life jackets and consider taking boating education classes to learn about or brush up on basic procedures. Use common sense and be aware of the water, boats and people to keep you safe and to avoid the “Highway to the Danger Zone.” ★