Recreational Water-Sport Safety

A great deal of time is spent in the water on hot summer days, cooling off and relaxing. It is always important to put safety first, no matter which activity you are participating in.

Water Skiing

• Wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket.
• Be sure the boat and ski equipment are in good shape.
• Always turn the boat motor completely off when you approach a fallen skier.
• Watch the water ahead of you at all times.
• Have an extra person aboard to watch and assist the skier.
• Run parallel to shore and come in slowly when landing. Sit down if coming in too fast.
• Use proper hand signals to signal boat operator.
• Do not ski at night or in restricted areas.
• Learn to swim.
• Know local weather conditions. Make sure the water and weather conditions are safe.

Tubing and Rafting

• Always wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket.
• Do not overload the raft.
• Do not go rafting after a heavy rain.
• When rafting with a tour company, make sure the guides are qualified.
• Learn to swim.
• Know the local weather conditions. Make sure the water and weather conditions are safe.

Snorkeling

• Practice in shallow water.
• Check the equipment carefully and know how it functions.
• Learn how to clear water from the snorkel when treading water.
• Learn how to put your mask back on when you tread water.
• Be careful not to swim or be carried by a current too far from shore or the boat.
• Never snorkel alone.
• Learn to swim.
• Know local weather conditions. Make sure the water and weather conditions are safe.

Skin and SCUBA Diving

• Receive instructions/take lessons from qualified divers before participating.
• Get a medical examination and take a swim test before learning SCUBA diving.
• Once certified, do not dive in rough or dangerous waters or in environments for which you are not trained. Ice, cave, and shipwreck diving require special training, as you can easily get lost or trapped and run out of air.
• Never dive by yourself.
• Learn to swim.
• Know local weather conditions. Make sure the water and weather conditions are safe.

Sail-boarding and Windsurfing

• Always wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket.
• Wear a wet suit in cold water to prevent hypothermia.
• You need good physical strength and swimming ability.
• Take windsurfing lessons from a qualified instructor.
• Know local weather conditions. Make sure the water and weather conditions are safe.

Surfing

• Take lessons from an experienced individual.
• Wear a wet suit in cold water.
• Never surf alone.
• Learn to swim.
• Know local weather conditions. Make sure the water and weather conditions are safe.

Boating

• Learn to swim.
• Alcohol and boating do not mix.
• Look for the label: Use Coast Guard approved life jackets for yourself and your passengers when boating and fishing.
• Develop a float plan, so someone always knows where to find you.
• Find a boating course in your area, to teach you about navigation rules, emergency procedures, and the effects of wind, water conditions, and weather.
• Watch the weather. Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs and stop boating as soon as you see or hear a storm.

Jet Skiing

• Learn to swim.
• Know your local laws and regulations. Some states have special laws governing the use of personal watercraft.
• Operate your PWC with courtesy and common sense. Run your PWC at a slow speed until the craft is away from the shore, swimming areas, and docks.
• Avoid passing close to other boats and jumping wakes. This behavior is dangerous and often illegal.
• Coast Guard approved life jackets should be worn by the operator of the PWC as well as any riders.
• Ride with a buddy. PWCs should always travel in groups of two or three. You never know when an emergency might occur.
• Alcohol and operating a PWC doesn't mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination.

The American Red Cross