OnTheWater

Have Fun in The Lakes Region of New Hampshire
ON THE WATER
2016

ON THE WATER 2016PAGE 2 THE CITIZEN
Living a more eco-conscious
lifestyle is something people from all
walks of life can enjoy. Whether
you’re a full-time environmentalist
who has devoted your life to helping
the planet or just someone who
recognizes the substantial impact
that even seemingly minor alter-
ations to your lifestyle can have on
the environment, chances are
strong your commitment is going a
long way toward improving the
environment for you and the genera-
tions that will follow.
Boaters are one group of people
with the chance to greatly benefit
the environment. Often nature
enthusiasts, boaters love to take to
the water to soak up some sun and
enjoy the fresh air of a nearby ocean
or lake. Such excursions provide a
great opportunity to be more eco-
friendly without sacrificing the
enjoyment of a day spent relaxing
on the water. The following are a
few ways boaters can still enjoy the
water but do so in a way that
benefits the environment.
• Maintain your engine. An
engine that’s working at full capacity
burns fuel more efficiently, reducing
your fuel consumption while also
reducing your risk of breaking down
on the water. In addition, an engine
that is running smoothly produces
Hit the high seas in an eco-friendly way
ONTHEWATER
THE CITIZEN
Advertising Director
Scott Thomas Hollinsworth
603.581.1977
STH@Citizen.com
fewer emissions, benefitting both the
air and the water. Before taking your
boat out for the first time, check the
engine to make sure it’s operating at
full capacity. If it’s not, address the
issue before going out on the water
and preferably before docking the
boat. Boat owners who store their
boats at home or away from the water
during the offseason should inspect
their boats’ engines before taking the
boat to dock and repair it away from
the marina to reduce the risk of
pollutants from finding their way into
the water.
• Keep the boat clean. A clean boat
consumes less fuel. That’s because a
clean boat is free of marine growth, grass
and barnacles, each of which can tax the
engine unnecessarily, forcing it to
consume more fuel to operate.
When cleaning your boat, use all-
natural cleaning products instead of
chemically-based products that may
prove harmful to the water and local
marine life. Fresh water, vinegar and
baking soda can all be effective when
cleaning a boat, and each is harm-
less.
• Don’t be in a rush when fueling
your boat. Fueling your boat in a rush
will increase the likelihood that
spillage will occur, sending fuel into
the water where it can harm both the
water and any marine life therein.
Take your time when refueling your
boat, holding the nozzle the entire
time as you listen for a change in the
tone as the tank gradually fills up.
Marina fuel pumps fuel more
quickly than road-based fuel
pumps, so avoid using an auto-
matic shut-off device, which might
not shut off in time.
• Make trash receptacles easily
accessible to passengers. Part of
the fun of owning a boat is taking
friends and family members out for a
day on the water. On such trips, make
sure your guests can easily access
trash receptacles to reduce the
likelihood that trash will fall into the
water, polluting the water and poten-
tially harming marine life as well.
Make sure all trash receptacles have
sturdy lids that won’t blow off when
the wind kicks up, and emphasize to
your guests the importance of
properly discarding trash.
Eco-friendly sailing is a great way
to enjoy a day in the sun while not
harming the environment at the
same time.

ON THE WATER 2016THE CITIZEN PAGE 3

Taking to the seas on a boat is a
recreational activity enjoyed by thou-
sands of people. Boat owners who are
not able to keep their vessels on their
properties due to proximity to water or
space constraints must seek out a
marina in which to moor their boats for
the duration of the season.
There are hundreds of marinas from
which to choose, and in coastal cities
and towns you may be facing some
difficult decisions. However, keep in
mind that not all marinas will be able to
offer the same level of services and
amenities. Boat owners must also
consider cost when choosing a marina.
It is important to weigh your marina
options carefully because once the
decision has been made you often
have to commit to a certain term of
housing your boat there.
Certain features available at marinas
will help dictate which places will make
for a good match.
Size and type of boat
First and foremost, your marina
options will be narrowed down by the
type of boat that you own. Certain
boatyards are simply not able to
accommodate larger ships, while
others are customized to certain
vessels, like pontoon boats or sail-
boats.
Electricity and water supply
Many boat owners would like a
steady supply of electricity and fresh
water available at their slip to charge
components and also to make cleanup
easier after a day on the water. Some
marinas offer electrical hookups as part
of the monthly fee. Others may have it
available as pay-per-use. It is important
to have a list of amenities available so
you can narrow down your options.
Is the area safe?
A boat is not a cheap investment.
Because you spend quite a lot on the
initial purchase and maintenance, you
want to ensure your boat will be safe
while it’s docked. Find out how easy it
is to get inside of the marina and if
there are security personnel patrolling.
Safety also involves how the vessel is
protected from the weather. Make sure
that the marina is in a wind and wave
protected area.
Location
Most boat owners would like a
marina that is close to home or a rental
property. How often the boat is in use
and the availability of marinas nearby
will dictate your decision.
Noise level
Many people take to their boats to
get away from the hustle and bustle for
a while. Others prefer the sense of
How to choose a marina for your boat
camaraderie they share with fellow
boaters. Find out whether social
gatherings or parties are allowed
within the marina to judge if a marina
will offer peace and quiet or the social
hot spot you desire.
Dry docking
When the season is over, boat
owners prefer to take their boats out
of water. Does the marina offer
facilities to overwinter vessels on the
same property? Are there mainte-
nance facilities also available to ready
the boat for the season?
Other facilities
Some marinas have everything from
a fueling station to a club house. The
marina may offer a snack bar or cafe
with a WiFi signal. Each of these
amenities will affect the price, so it is
best to know what you absolutely
need and what is merely a luxury.

Active adults and busy families
understand that one perk to owning a
pickup truck or an SUV is the ability to
tow items behind the vehicle. Many of
these trucks already come equipped
with trailer hitches that make it pos-
sible to tow boats, RVs, snowmobiles
and more. The following are a few
safety tips for drivers unaccustomed to
towing.
• Know your vehicle's tow weight
capacity. The owner’s manual will list
the maximum weight a vehicle can tow
safely, but this is just a simplified
estimation of data. To tow successfully,
it’s important to know your vehicle's
gross combined weight rating, or
GCWR. This includes the vehicle itself,
its passengers and cargo, as well as
the trailer and the trailer’s cargo. More
passengers on board reduces the
amount of weight you can pull. Another
The basics of driving with trailers in tow
weight factor is the tongue weight, or
how much of the trailer’s weight rests
on the hitch, which should be around
10 percent of the trailer’s weight. This
helps reduce trailer sway and can
improve steering.
• Practice proper weight distribu-
tion. Distribute the weight of the item
being towed to make towing
smoother and safer. The cargo’s
center of gravity should be low, and
most of the weight should be toward
the front. Weight on either side also
should be even. These steps will help
prevent the trailer from fishtailing or
flipping over.
• Use the right hitch equipment.
Adjust the hitch so that the trailer
being towed is relatively level to your
vehicle when attached. Connect lights
to your trailer through the hitch
system so that brake lights and other
indicators work properly. Make sure the
hitch ball is the right size for your trailer,
otherwise the trailer might disconnect
during towing. Use a pin and safety
chains to keep the trailer secure.
• Check if extra brakes are required.
Many states require a separate braking
system on towed vehicles with a loaded
weight in excess of 1,000 pounds. Newer
trucks may have a built-in controller for
brakes or you may need to have a
system installed. Experts from Popular
Mechanics advise using a trailer brake
output system that matches the trailer
brake output to the tow vehicle’s
deceleration.
• Slow down and drive more
cautiously. A vehicle towing a trailer
will not maneuver the same way as a
vehicle without a trailer attached. Give
yourself a greater cushion of space
between other vehicles. It may take
longer for you to brake because of
the added weight. Get used to using
side-view mirrors because the trailer
may block your rearview. Larger,
extended side-view mirrors may help
you feel more comfortable and safe.
Make wide turns so that the trailer will
clear curbs and not tip over.
• Avoid backing up. Unless you’re
experienced with driving large rigs,
you may find reversing with a trailer
very challenging. Limit situations that
require backing up. Park in pull-
through parking spots when possible.
If you need to back up, move slowly
and with your hand on the bottom of
the steering wheel, turning it in the
direction you want the trailer to go.
• Practice, practice, practice. Get
acclimated with towing in a parking
lot or on empty streets before taking
your trailer out on the open road.

Spending time on the water
can be quite enjoyable. That is
why thousands of people own
boats and visit coastal areas
throughout the year to fish,
sail and swim. Marine trans-
portation also provides a fast
and efficient method of com-
muting.
As fun as a day or night on
the water can be, maritime
accidents do occur, despite
the best efforts and intentions
of recreational or commercial
boaters and water enthusiasts.
Many accidents can be
avoided when boaters remain
aware of the potential hazards
that exist on the water.
Bodies of water can seem
peaceful and welcome respites
on a hot day. But water-related
accidents, particularly uninten-
tional drownings, account for
roughly 3,500 fatalities in a
given year in the United
States. Furthermore, about
one in five people who die
from drowning are children
ages 14 and younger. Those
who do not experience fatal
accidents may receive emer-
gency care for nonfatal sub-
mersion injuries, according to
the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. Here are some of
the other dangers that can occur
in and around the water.
Dehydration: Being in and
around the water doesn’t
Drowning not the only water hazard
necessarily mean the body is
getting enough fluid to remain
healthy. When the temperature is
high, dehydration can set in
within an hour, often through
loss of moisture from sweat,
urine and even breathing. A
person who is cool from
swimming may not realize
his body needs
water until dehy-
dration already
has set in.
Drinking
plenty of
fresh
water will
help keep
the body cool
and comfortable.
Hypothermia:
Hypothermia
occurs when the
body loses more heat
than it produces and the core
temperature drops. Hypothermia
may even occur in warm water,
or if you are sitting around in
damp clothing as the tempera-
ture outside falls. Try to remain
as dry as possible, even pre-
venting clothing from being
dampened by sweat, to prevent
hypothermia. Cover up and wear
layers of clothes to ward off
hypothermia.
Marine life: Tropical marine
life is not always friendly, and
there may be some apex preda-
tors in the surrounding waters. It
is adviseable to research what
fish and other marine creatures
inhabit the waters where you plan
to spend some time. Although
many animals will keep their
distance, there is the potential for
run-ins with seemingly innocuous
creatures that can cause
injury. Always keep a
respectable
distance from
underwater
animals when
snorkeling,
swim-
ming
and
explor-
ing.
Water
quality: The
water itself
could be a
source of danger. Harm-
ful bacteria and other micro-
organisms can reside in poorly
maintained water or water with
limited movement. Heed all
posted warnings about swimming
conditions, and do not consume
fish from waters where there is
concern about chemical spills or
other contamination. Staff infec-
tions and skin irritations can
occur when swimming in water
with unseen pathogens, even if
the water looks clean.
Toys: A surprisingly common
cause of water-related accidents,
especially in swimming pools, is
using toys and flotation devices
that are not suitable for the
conditions. These items can flip
over and trap people upside
down under the water. Further-
more, pool floats and rafts
should not be used in place of
personal flotation devices, or
PFDs, which are designed and
certified for use in life-saving
situations.
Chemicals: The chemicals
needed to maintain safety and
water quality in a backyard pool
can be dangerous. Many chemi-
cals can be toxic in high con-
centrations and volatile when
stored in close proximity to
others. Homeowners may be
playing novice chemist when
mixing chemicals for the pool,
inadvertently putting themselves
and swimmers at risk. Always
follow the precautions on pool
chemical packaging to ensure
the water is safe.
Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages
impair decision-making abilities
and reaction time. It’s never
good to mix alcohol with swim-
ming and boating. A person
operating a boat or watercraft
should not be allowed to do so
when under the influence of
drugs or alcohol.
Many good times are to be had
when enjoying the recreational
benefits of the water. Keeping
safety in mind will help prevent
accidents and injuries.

Many people assume that simply
wearing a life jacket or another per-
sonal flotation device is enough to
provide adequate safety while enjoying
activities on the water. But just as
important as wearing the PFD is that it
fit properly.
Selecting a life jacket is not a one-
size-fits-all scenario. Nor are all life
jackets suitable for all types of water
sports and other marine activities. The
amount of buoyancy the jacket
provides is relative to the activity and
the size of the person wearing the
jacket. Furthermore, it is unwise to
think that children can simply wear an
adult life jacket in a pinch.
According to the Pennsylvania Fish &
Boat Commission, life jackets that are
too small or too large can come off or
ride up in the water. A jacket that rides
up can end up rising over the mouth
How to fit a life jacket correctly
and nose, making breathing difficult.
The proper fit of a life jacket is one
where the jacket is snug, but not
suffocating.
Those who have experience in the
water can test out the fit of a life jacket
by walking into the water up to the
neck. After lifting up the legs and tilting
the head back, the person should be
able to float comfortably and not have
to put any effort into staying above
water. Furthermore, the life jacket
shouldn’t obstruct the mouth.
Typically, children 12 years and
younger are expected to wear a life
jacket at all times when in a boat or
around the water. This means kids will
spend significant time wearing the life
jacket, so it should be comfortable and
fit properly.
Children’s life jackets are typically
designed around three sizes. An infant
device is for children under 30 pounds.
A small child is appropriate for children
30 to 50 pounds. A youth size is right
for children 50 to 90 pounds. Larger
children may graduate to a small
adult’s size. Life jackets for young
children may have a flotation collar that
helps to keep the head upright, as a
child’s head tends to be his or her
heaviest part of the body. In addition,
there will likely be a strap that secures
between the legs to prevent vest from
riding up.
All life jackets should be replaced
when they start to fade to the color of
the inside label. This might be indicat-
ing that their safety protection may
have started to deteriorate.
In addition to properly fitting a life
jacket, it is important to practice being
in one in the water. While life jackets
may keep adults and children afloat,
they may not keep a struggling person
face up. Therefore, it is adviseable to
remain calm in the water while wearing
the PFD.

Water enthusiasts take to rivers,
lakes and oceans for scores of
different marine activities. The popu-
larity of water sports has exploded,
including a growing interest in
wakeboarding.
Wakeboarding is an activity where a
person is pulled behind a motorboat
at about 20 to 24 miles per hour.
Instead of water skiing, the boarder
uses a single board that resembles a
snowboard, though wakeboards are
shorter than snowboards and slightly
wider. The feet are bound to the
board with either straps or a boot-like
Wakeboarding is a growing sport
device so that the board will not fly off
of the feet while doing tricks.
Statistics indicate that there are
more than 3.1 million wakeboarders
across the globe. Roughly 75 percent
of wakeboarders are males ages 13
to 24. Wakeboarding has become the
fastest-growing water sport.
An offshoot of traditional boat-
propelled wakeboarding is cable
wakeboarding. This is where the
wakeboarder is attached to a perma-
nent, overhead ski lift-type cable that
stretches across a body of water and
connects to fixed towers. The cable
pulls the wakeboarder to ramps
where he or she can execute tricks.
Wakeboarding, particularly cable
wakeboarding, has become so
popular that it may someday qualify
for inclusion in the Olympics. While
currently part of the X-Games &
Gravity Games, the International
Olympic Committee announced cable
wakeboarding as one of eight new
sports being considered for the 2020
Summer Olympic Games.
The rise in cable parks is also
notable. There are two wakeboard
cable parks in Canada and roughly 30
in the United States. Individuals can
purchase passes to enjoy the park at
a fraction of the cost of renting a boat
and refueling.
Wakeboarding is an adventurous
water activity that seems to be here
to stay. Now may be the time to try
your hand at wakeboarding and see if
this water sport can become one of
your new favorite summer activities.
With minimal gear and admission to a
cable wakeboard park, enthusiasts
can try out their skills on the water.
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Few activities embody the spirit of
summer like sailing. Smelling the
ocean air while catching some fish or
preparing the boat for a fun-filled day
on a nearby lake are activities
synonymous with summer relaxation.
As enjoyable as sailing can be, it’s
in the best interests of sailors and
their passengers to take certain
precautionary measures to ensure
everyone makes it back to shore
safely. One such measure is protect-
ing skin from the sun. When sailing,
men, women and children spend a
significant amount of time soaking up
the sun’s rays, which can lead to
chronic skin damage or even skin
cancer for those who don’t take
steps to protect themselves. The
following are a few ways boaters can
ensure their next sailing trip is as
safe as it is fun.
• Don protective clothing. When
sailing, women might be tempted to
wear a bikini while men might prefer
to wear some swim trunks and
nothing else. Such attire might be
relaxing, but it’s not very safe.
Instead of beach gear, wear protec-
tive clothing, including long-sleeve t-
shirts and wide-brimmed hats that
protect both the top of your head,
your neck and your face from sun-
burn. Sunglasses will also protect
your eyes from overexposure to the
sun’s rays.
• Be even more diligent when
sailing. When sailing, it’s important
for sailors and their passengers to be
especially diligent with regards to
skin protection. Sand and water
reflect the sun’s rays, increasing a
person’s risk of sun damage. So be
even more careful and protective of
your skin on the water or at the
beach than you would be if relaxing
in the backyard.
Don’t forget to protect skin when sailing
• Apply a broad-spectrum,
water-resistant sunscreen. The
American Academy of Dermatology
recommends a generous application
of a broad-spectrum, water-resistant
sunscreen with an SPF, or Sun
Protection Factor, of at least 30. Re-
apply the sunscreen every two hours,
and immediately after going into the
water or if you find yourself sweating.
Be sure to use a sunscreen that is
“broad-spectrum,” as this means it
protects your skin from both UVA and
UVB rays.
• Spend some time in the shade.
Even though you’re on a boat, there
are opportunities to escape the sun.
Sit in a shaded area on the boat,
especially during certain hours of
the day when the sun’s rays are at
their strongest. The AAD notes that
the sun’s rays are strongest be-
tween the hours of 10 a.m. and 4
p.m. One trick of the trade is to
always seek shade when your
shadow is shorter than you are.
• Be prepared. A boat carries a
host of supplies so sailors don’t end
up stranded at sea. But don’t forget
to stock up on protective items just
in case some sailors forget to bring
along sunscreen or protective gear.
In addition to packing extra bottles
of sunscreen, store some extra long-
sleeve t-shirts and wide-brimmed
hats so friends and family don’t fall
victim to the sun or feel as thought
they need to sit in the cabin or out of
the sun for the duration of the trip.
Donning appropriate attire, including
wide-brimmed hats, is one way to
protect skin from overexposure to
the sun when sailing.
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Novice fishermen may have fun on their first fishing outing but come away con-
fused by some of the terminology used. The following glossary of common fishing
terms can help men and women as they further explore their newfound love of
fishing.
Angling: Fishing using a hook and line. Anglers are people who fish, and types of
angling include bait and fly fishing, casting and trolling.
Bait: The food or food substitute used to lure in fish. Insects, minnows and worms
are some of the widely used types of bait.
Cast: To throw the hooked or baited end of a fishing line out into the water.
Catch and release: When anglers “catch and release” their fish, they unhook the fish
they catch and return them back to the water before the fish dies.
Drifting: A type of fishing where the angler allows his or her boat to drift.
Fly-fishing: A technique in which a lightweight rod known as a “fly rod” is used to
cast live or imitation flies tied to a hook.
Gaff: A type of hook used to land a fish.
Jig: A lure that consists of a single hook with a lead weight molded around it. Jigs are
often adorned with fur, feathers or a plastic body.
Lure: Artificial bait designed to resemble live bait.
Plug: A type of lure made of wood, plastic or rubber that is designed to resemble live
bait, such as minnows or insects.
Rod: The pole of a fishing pole. Different types of rods are used for different types of
fishing.
Sinker: A weight used to prevent lures from floating up in the water. Sinkers come in
various shapes, types and weights.
Spinner: A lure made with a rotating blade on a wire shaft.
When to buy a boat
Terms novice anglers may want to learn
When the weather starts to warm
and more and more people start
taking their boats out of dry dock and
back to the marina, such sights can
entice others to want to buy a boat.
However, sailing season might not be
the ideal time to buy a boat if you’re
interested in getting the best deal.
Actually, sailing’s offseason is
oftentimes the best time to buy a
boat. Many boat retailers look to
liquefy their inventories in early fall. At
this point you may be able to negoti-
ate a very good deal on the previous
model year since the dealerships will
be making room for the next year’s
models. Coming equipped with a list
of questions and armed with the
knowledge of the average cost of the
boat you want to buy can help you
determine if quoted prices are dis-
counted.
Another ideal time to go boat
shopping is during the boat show
season. Boat manufacturers tend to
do a series of shows at convention
centers across the country. The
retailers often come up with a dis-
counted price and other incentives on
the purchase of a boat. These prices
may be even lower than the price
offered for the same model just a few
days later in the showroom.
Even if you are not in the immediate
market for a boat, attending a boat
show can be a good source of informa-
tion and practice for buying one down
the road.
Here are some other tips when
deciding whether or not to buy a boat.
• Be sure to go out boating with
friends or with a family member who
owns a boat and determine whether
this is really a recreational activity you
want to invest in.
• Take into consideration all of the
expenses involved in boating, including
insurance, trailering, docking, marina
fees, fuel, safety gear, tech items, and
so on. Some have said that buying a
boat is like pouring money into the
water. Know what you are getting into
before signing on the dotted line.
• Shop around for a good boat
dealer. You want someone with whom
you feel comfortable and not a dealer
who is just pressuring you to buy.
• Struggling dealerships may offer
“must buy now” offers to try to get rid
of boats that are not selling. Choose
the boat that works for you and not the
one with the smallest price tag.
• Due to the large expense of buying
a boat, many choose to go partners on
the purchase. Spell out a contract that
explains when and how you will have
your share of the vessel before enter-
ing into a joint purchase. This way you
remain friends instead of fighting over
usage, cleaning and the cost of repairs.

A vacation or a weekend getaway
can be made even more enjoyable
when it includes some time spent on
the water. Hiring a private boat or
joining an established fishing charter is
one way to enjoy some fishing and
sightseeing without much effort. But
not all charters are the same, and it’s
important to find one that meets your
needs.
While you certainly can wait until you
are at your destination before finding a
charter, it helps to do your homework
before arriving to guarantee the best
package and price. This way you will
not be at the mercy of the hotels and
resorts in the area and you can read
unbiased reviews about charter
organizations.
There are many fishing charters
across the country. Starting your
research as soon as you know to
where you will be traveling can help
you narrow down the options in that
area. Write down what you want to ask
potential charter captains to ensure
your experience is one to remember for
all the right reasons.
Travel package Web sites as well as
local boards of commerce and tourism
sites are a great resource to find fishing
charters. Once you have a few names
you can begin the investigative pro-
cess. A service like TripAdvisor.com
enables you to read reviews on attrac-
tions and services in particular areas
across the world. You can type in your
charter service name and read up on
what others have to say about their
experiences. Through the review
forums you also may be able to garner
names of other charter companies and
attractions that may not be on the
tourism sites.
Another good starting-off point is a
service like Findafishingcharter.com.
Here you can search for charters in the
United States and Canada. Click on
the map and get a listing of companies
that advertise their services.
Once you have narrowed down your
options, there are some considerations
that should be made and questions
that should be asked of the charter
captain.
Request a complete price break-
down, including if gratuities are ex-
pected.
Ensure that the captain is knowledge-
able in the type of fishing you desire
and where to go to find these fish.
Make sure the captain is licensed
according to the jurisdiction of the U.S.
Coast Guard or the Canadian Coast
Guard. Ask how many years he or she
has been a licensed charter captain.
Ask for references and confirm the
business with the Better Business
Bureau.
Know the equipment level of a
charter boat and whether it is high-
tech or basic. Ask to see photos of the
boat or arrange a tour prior to booking.
Find out where the charter boat
actually fishes.
Will the captain and the crew be
assisting your party or doing their own
fishing concurrently? Novice anglers
often benefit from a crew that is paying
attention to their customers rather than
their own fishing needs.
Are children and families welcome
aboard? If so, what kind of bathroom
and food facilities are available?
Inquire as to whether you will need
your own fishing license.
What fishing gear is provided?
Is this a catch-and-release trip or will
trophies be taken home?
Find out a contingency plan for the
captain’s absence in case of illness.
Learn about what you have to bring
on the trip. You may be required to
bring hats, sunscreen, comfortable
clothing, rubber-soled shoes, sun-
glasses, and seasickness medicine.
Be sure to verify if you will be signing
a contract and the cancellation policy.
Finding a fishing charter that will
cater to your needs is easier than you
may think. Hiring a reputable and
experienced charter service can help
ensure a good time is had by all on
your next trip.
Hiring a fishing charter
Hiring a fishing charter for your vacation can
be an enjoyable way to spend time.

Water recreation is a popular
pastime. When the weather warms,
people often take to coastal areas to
enjoy some fun in the sun and surf.
What to wear for a day on the water
depends on the type of activity one is
partaking in, but there are some
essentials you do not want to forget
to bring along.
• Sturdy shoes: Whether you will be
standing on the deck of a sailboat or
baiting a hook alongside a river,
footwear should be sturdy. Water
makes for slippery conditions, and
shoes that provide traction blend
form and function. Although flip-flop
sandals have become the go-to
footwear, these shoes do not provide
the arch support or traction neces-
sary in wet conditions. A water shoe
that has a sturdy sole as well as a
breathable upper material is a better
bet.
• Sun protection: The Food and
Drug Administration advises that
surfaces such as snow, sand, grass,
or water can reflect much of the UV
radiation that reaches them. A day on
the water or nearby reflective sur-
faces necessitates wearing sun
protection products, such as broad-
spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or
higher. A wide-brimmed hat and
sunglasses rated for 100 percent UV
protection are good ideas. UV rays
Essentials to have when on (or in) the water
are most intense at noon, when the
sun is at its highest point in the sky.
It’s also important to note the higher
the elevation, the greater the UV
exposure concentration because
there is less atmosphere to absorb
the UV rays.
• Layers: The weather can be
unpredictable, and the temperature
inland may differ from the tempera-
ture at the shore by several degrees.
When boating or visiting the coast,
wear layered clothing so you can
shed layers as needed to remain
comfortable.
• Change of clothing: Wet clothing
can become uncomfortable to wear,
and it may become dangerous if the
temperature drops. Wet clothing can
extract heat from the body much
faster than dry clothing, potentially
causing hypothermia, or a drop in
body temperature. Couple wet
clothing with windy conditions, and
hypothermia can quickly set in.
Always bring along a change of
clothing and store it in a waterproof
bag or container. This should include
extra socks and shoes.
• Life jacket: The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention says
drowning ranks fifth among the
leading causes of unintentional injury
deaths in the United States. When-
ever you are on or near the water,
wearing a life jacket is a safe idea
and one that can potentially save
your life. A life jacket should be made
available for everyone on a vessel.
Dress the part when spending a day
on the water. Having the right equip-
ment can reduce your risk for injury.

Spending a day on the water enjoying
the scenery or trying your luck at
fishing are popular pastimes.
Following proper boating practices and
etiquette can protect everyone onboard.
Although ensuring passenger safety
should be a priority, safeguarding against
environmental impacts while boating also
should be a concern.
Marinas and various marine areas
can become contaminated with
pollutants generated from boating
activities. Boat cleaning, fueling and
marine head discharge are just a few of
the pollutants that can find their ways
into the water.
Although there are regulations in
place to protect marine life and eco-
systems, these rules aren’t always
adhered to. Recreational boaters can
Protect the environment with safe boating
do their part to keep oceans, bays,
rivers, and lakes pristine by adhering to
some sound advice.
• Reduce engine exhaust. Whenever
possible, row, paddle or use sails to
decrease engine use and subsequent
exhaust. When engines must be used,
do not idle unnecessarily. Always steer
clear of the aft of the boat, where fuel
fumes and carbon monoxide can cause
serious health implications.
• Keep trash on the vessel. Do not
discard any items over the side of the
boat. Even seemingly harmless items
can impact the environment. Store
garbage in a bag and dispose of it
properly when you return to the marina
or dock. Secure items onboard so
they will not blow off and end up in
the water.
• Avoid antifouling paints. Anti-
fouling paints are special paints
applied to the underside of vessels
to prevent or slow down the growth
of barnacles and other organisms.
Maritime New Zealand notes that
these paints can harm other sea life
and prove dangerous when scraped
off and not discarded properly.
• Keep boats in proper working
order. Poorly maintained boats may
harm the environment. Inefficiently
working engines can produce more
exhaust and contaminate the air and
water. Oil and other mechanical
fluids can leak into the water and
affect the marine environment.
Proper maintenance helps keep
boats safe and minimizes their
impact on the environment.
• Use pump-out stations. Pump out
stations at marinas enable boaters to
safely dispose of the contents from
sanitary systems without waste ending
up in the water. Commercial ships,
such as tankers and bulk cargo
carriers, have the added threat of
ballast water. Ballast water keeps
vessels buoyant. However, when this
water is discharged at the next port of
call, it can transfer biological materials,
like bacteria and plants, from foreign
waters. These materials can compromise
the integrity of ecological systems.
• Respect marine ecosystems.
Boaters who plan to enter the water
and explore should tread delicately.
Coastal areas often play home to birds
and other wildlife. Use caution around
reefs and habitats.

Ethanol, a corn-based fuel that is
mixed with traditional gasoline, has
been a boon to the fuel industry. It
helps to keep costs down and provides
a renewable, more eco-friendly option
to fuel cars and trucks. While ethanol
may perform fine in automobile en-
gines, boat engines may not be so
lucky, and some engine manufacturers
have expressed concern over the use
of ethanol in boat engines.
Gasoline that contains 10 percent
ethanol, commonly referred to as E10, is
not recommended for outboard motors,
particularly older engines. The only way
to avoid ethanol is to purchase marine-
grade fuel that has none of it. This fuel
costs more, but many boaters prefer it
because of the risks for costly engine
repairs when ethanol is used.
Ethanol could damage outboard motors
Unlike car engines that burn through
a tank of gas quickly and are used
frequently, outboard boat motors are
often left to sit until the boat is used
again. When ethanol fuel is allowed to
sit, the corn alcohol can separate from
the gasoline and settle at the bottom of
the fuel tank.
Ethanol is also hygroscopic. This
means it absorbs water. In high
moisture conditions such as those on a
boat, this can further exacerbate the
separation of ethanol and gasoline. The
result is a sludge that forms in the fuel
tank. Most outboard engines have their
fuel outlet at the bottom of the tank.
After being left to sit, the engine will
draw in pure ethanol and water that
has accumulated, which can muck up
the engine and corrode internal parts.
Ethanol also is a strong solvent, and it
can dissolve substances in the engine,
potentially clogging fuel ports. Many
boat owners have noticed clogged
carburetors due to ethanol fuels. Boat
service centers have mentioned an
increase of engines needing cleaning
from oxygenated fuels like ethanol.
Buildup in the engine can restrict gas
flow and cause the engine to over-
heat — precipitating a breakdown.
Although many manufacturers and
repair shops recommend avoiding
ethanol fuel for boats, if they cannot
be avoided it is best to heed these
tips.
• Buy as little as possible — just
enough to fuel the trip so leftover fuel
will not remain sitting in the tank.
• Drain the carburetor on the engine
after using ethanol.
• Use a fuel stabilizer that will help
prevent separation.
Ethanol is not recommended for all
engines, and it may cause costly
engine problems on outboard motors
when the fuel is allowed to sit in the
tank for extended periods of time.

There’s something ominous
lurking whenever you go boating
or participate in water sports. No,
it’s not a huge barracuda or a
stalking shark. The United States
Coast Guard warns that carbon
monoxide, or CO, is an extremely
dangerous substance boaters
must be mindful of.
CO is formed by the incomplete
combustion of many fuels,
including wood, oil, kerosene,
and charcoal. While it may be
present in homes or coming from
the rear exhaust of a car, it is also
a concern for avid boaters. Often
referred to as a “silent killer,” CO
is an odorless, colorless, and
tasteless gas, making it difficult
to detect.
CO isn’t just around a boat’s
engine, where it is found in high
concentrations. It can also build up
in enclosures in and around a boat.
Furthermore, CO can collect at
slow speeds and may be present
while the boat is idling, moored or
anchored — even if the engine is
no longer running.
There was a time when few
boaters were concerned about CO,
though awareness of its potentially
fatal presence has grown signifi-
cantly in the last few years.
How CO Affects People
Carbon monoxide enters the
bloodstream through the lungs
and displaces the oxygen the
body needs to breathe, poten-
tially causing death in a matter
of seconds.
Early symptoms of CO poison-
ing include irritated eyes, nausea,
CO is a genuine threat for boaters
dizziness, and headache. Be-
cause these symptoms can also
mimic seasickness, they may be
initially overlooked.
Any boat with an engine and/or
generator can put those on board
in danger under certain circum-
stances.
CO Accumulation Areas
The rear of the boat and on or
around the swim platform is the
area where CO levels tend to be
at their highest. But CO can also
be present in the cabin and the
cockpit of the vessel. When
docked next to an idling boat or
even one with a generator running,
CO can enter the cabin and cock-
pit.
Additionally, going slowly or
idling can cause CO to accumu-
late even in an open area. A
tailwind from the aft section of the
boat can also cause CO to accu-
mulate. This also may occur when
operating the boat at a high bow
angle.
Avoiding Death Zones
It is recommended to avoid
certain areas of the boat and to
be aware of safety hazards that
can cause CO poisoning and
possibly even death.
* Do not swim near the back deck
of the boat or swim platform if
the boat is idling. Also avoid
“teak surfing,” which is holding
on to the swim platform of the
boat while getting pulled be-
hind.
• Do not enter a partly enclosed
or enclosed area under the
swim deck or platform where
exhaust is vented. Exhaust
lingers in such areas, and it can
be very fatal.
• Avoid exhaust areas while the
motor is running. Wait at least
15 minutes after shutting down
the motor before moving toward
these areas.
• Educate all passengers about
CO poisoning and post warning
stickers in dangerous areas.
• Inspect the exhaust system
frequently to ensure it is running
properly.
• Purchase and test CO detectors
for the boat before each trip.
• Turn the engine off when
stopped in the water.
• Keep forward-facing hatches
open in cabins or enclosed
areas to allow for adequate air
flow.
• Move anyone complaining of CO
poisoning symptoms to fresh air
and investigate.
Carbon monoxide is a danger,
but it doesn’t have to make
boating trips end in a fatality.
Employ safety tips when operat-
ing any motorized vessel.
The aft area of a boat is one that is typically high in carbon monoxide
emissions. Be careful around this area, even when in the water.

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