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Boating Rules and Regulations | Boating Safety I | Boating Safely | Boating Safety II | Boating Safety Equipment | Safe Boating | Safe Boating Checklist | Boating First Aid | Boat Operation and Training Courses
Boating Rules And Regulations - What You Need To Know To Stay Safe And Out Of Trouble When You’re On The Water!By: Mike FisherBefore you start looking through the boat classified ads for a new boat for sale or even a used boat for sale, so you can get out on the water as soon as possible, you should stop to consider getting familiar with the basic boating rules and regulations. These may affect the type of boat you buy and how you plan to use it. Although boating almost rhymes with partying, they are not one in the same. The number of registered boaters continues to rise each year and although the number of fatal accidents has seemed to level off over the past few years, the amount of boating congestion and traffic hasn’t. Each year it seems as though there are more and more boaters on our inland waters and major gateways and your local county law enforcement is now consistently monitoring them for improper boating operation. Below are some of the key boating rules and regulations you should be familiar with, if you prefer to stay out of the clink, so to speak.Age requirements: Persons must have attained the age of 14-16 years to operate a motorboat with an engine size greater than 15 horsepower. Persons between the ages of 12-15 may operate a boat provided he or she is accompanied by an adult. This regulation varies from state to state, so check your local authority. Boating in Restricted Areas - Restricted areas are normally marked with buoys, beacons or diver down flags. Be careful to check for restricted areas at your local DNR launch site or steer clear of marked areas. Slow-No Wake Zone: Marked zones require that you operate your boat as to not create a wake. Riding on Bow: It is illegal to ride on the bow, unless equipped with seating, or gunwale of a boat that is traveling at speeds greater than slow-no wake speed. Improper Distance: It is illegal to operate a boat when traveling greater than slow-no wake speeds within 100 feet of a shoreline in water less than 3 feet deep, any moored or anchored vessel, any dock or raft, a marked swimming area. Personal water crafts must stay at least 200 feet from any Great Lakes shore and not cross within 150 feet of another vessel. Failure to Regulate Speed: It is illegal to operate a boat at speeds that could cause danger to property or life or speeds that make it impossible for you to safely manage your vessel including:
Pulling Skiers: Towing skiers must only be done during daylight hours. That means from dawn until dusk. It is unlawful to pull skiers from sunset to sunrise. Boats towing skiers must be equipped with a wide angle rearview mirror or have another person on board, 12 years or older, to observe the skier. PWC (Personal Watercraft) - Operation and Regulations: applies to Jet Skis and other types of watercraft that the user sits on or stands on as opposed to sits in.
Alcohol and Drugs: In some states, alcohol is involved in as much as 25% of boating accidents. It is illegal to operate your boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is also illegal for the owner of a boat to allow another person who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs to operate their boat. In most states, if you have a blood alcohol level in excess of 0.1 % you are guilty of a misdemeanor. In some states it’s 0.08%. If you’re BAL is 0.07%, your local Sheriffs deputy can apply other tests to determine if you are under the influence. Your blood alcohol level is dependent on your weight, your metabolism and how much food is in your stomach. Heavier persons or persons that have recently eaten will have a higher tolerance to the effect of alcohol. Blood Alcohol levels - FOR REFERENCE ONLY For a medium size adult male weighing approximately 175lbs his blood alcohol level will be as follows: 1 drink in ½ hour - .016 2 drinks in 1 hour- .032 3 drinks in 1.5 hours- .048 4 drinks in 2 hours- .064 5 drinks in 2.5 hours- .08 6 drinks in 3.5 hours - .096 For a large size adult male weighing approximately 225 lbs: 1 drink in ½ hour - .01 2 drinks in 1 hour- .02 3 drinks in 1.5 hours- .03 4 drinks in 2 hours- .045 5 drinks in 2.5 hours- .06 6 drinks in 3.5 hours - .067 Blood Alcohol Levels and How it Feels Physically: .02 – relaxed feeling .05 – less alert and physical coordination and impairment starts .07 – legally intoxicated in many states According to this reference data, it’s clear that a few drinks over a period of a few hours maybe enjoyed and managed, but 4 or more drinks regardless of your size puts you and others at risk. So as they say on TV – don’t drink and drive and if you choose to drink – do so responsibly. Boating SafetyBy: Frank RomBefore you even think of taking your brand new boat out for a trip on the water it is in your won best interest to take a boat safety course and have a boat safety inspection to check for the mandatory safety equipment. The US Coast Guard can provide you with a list of mandatory as well as suggested boat safety equipment.Life jackets, or personal floating devices as they are officially called, should be readily available for every occupant of the vessel. They should also be adjusted to the size of the person who is intended to wear them in case of an emergency. They should be in good working order with all the straps and clips in place and operational. It is a good idea to have them fitted to the persons so that if necessary they can be put on without much further adjusting. In some states there is a minimum age for which the wear of a life jacket is obligated at all times. As a large part of boating safety there should also be present on board a recently inspected fire extinguisher. It should be clearly marked so that anybody can spot it if necessary and get to it in time. There are different types of fire extinguishers, designed to extinguish different kinds of fires. For boating safety it is advisable to get a Type B or C fire extinguisher, these are designed for tackling fires originated or fueled by oil, grease and gas, or electrical fires. Sanitation plays his Part in Boating Safety If your vessel has a certain size, most states will require the presence of some sort of sanitation devices as a part of the boating safety as well as for health purposes. Make sure they are Coast Guard approved and are specifically designed for use on board a vessel. Flare guns, or visual distress signals are another thing that most states will require as a part of the boating safety equipment. In case of an emergency these can send a bright signal in the skies, alerting the rescue forces to your position. The flare gun must again be readily accessible for a speedy use, but on the other hand they must be stored safely and out of reach of children, as they can cause a lot of damage when wrongly used. As a final part of boating safety, especially for boats with gasoline engines and specifically when the engine is mounted in the vessel, good ventilation is cardinal. Not only to avoid any buildup of carbon monoxide, endangering the cru with poisoning, but also to prevent gasoline fumes from building up and becoming a serious fire hazard. Boating SafelyBy: Kadence BuchananPeople who take boat trips often fail to realize the potential disasters that can ensue if they are not careful and safe on-board their boat. Over 1,000 people die on boating trips per year, and many of the dangers associated with boating are easily preventable. In this article, we'll give some tips to help you to avoid the potential pitfalls that one may wake while operating a boat.- When it comes to fueling up your boat, be sure to turn off all electricity and do NOT smoke. Keep everybody except the person doing the fueling off of the boat until the process is completed, and be sure that all fittings are tightly secured when you are finished. Also, be sure not to fill your tank past its capacity. - If your boat has capsized, it's important to follow procedures to ensure the safety of all aboard. Remain calm, and ensure that everybody sticks together. Whenever possible, remain as close to the boat as you can, unless there is an inherent danger close by. - Always be wary of alcohol consumption whilst on board. 9 out of 10 boating deaths are due to drowning and you are much more likely to fall out of the boat whilst intoxicated. Consequently, while under the influence, the body cannot efficiently warm itself as much as when you are sober. Also, intoxication can result in disorientation when under water, and you may not be able to determine which direction the surface is. - If a fire takes place on board, the first thing that you need to do is stop moving the boat. The wind can whip the fire into a bigger problem than it already is. Turn off your electricity after radioing for help. If the fire is caused by wood, fabric, or another dry source, pour water on it. Oil and grease fires can be extinguished with an on-board fire extinguisher, and you should aim for the base of the fire while extinguishing. - As silly as it may sound, many men drown in boating accidents due to the need to relieve themselves. They may lean off the side of the boat, hit a wave, and fall in. To alleviate this concern, it's best to keep a jug on the boat which you can empty and wash in the water when you're done. It can greatly decrease your risk of drowning while on-board. Now that you know some of the basic methods for keeping yourself safe while out on the water, you can better protect yourself and your family. Be sure to follow all of the guidelines listed above, and you'll be much more confident in your boating safety. Boating Safety - It's For Everyoneby: James "Doc" LewisBoating, when a few simple rules are followed, is one of the safest family activities there is. U.S. statistics show boating is twice as safe as biking, five times as safe as driving a car, and 24 times as safe as scuba diving. By practicing safe boating, you will provide a wonderful pastime for yourselves and give your children a love of the water that will last them a lifetime.So What Goes Wrong?Having made such a sweeping endorsement of the relative safety of boating, how do we explain the glaring headlines which we find in the press on an all to regular basis?Fortunately, for you and me, there are numerous public agencies which spend a lot of time and money doing the research and compiling data. After researching their findings it becomes obvious that a little preparation and planning can all but eliminate the risks. Some Pertinent Facts:The most common accident to passengers and crew is falling overboard. According to the statistics over 40% of all fatal boating accidents start this way. It can be avoided if boaters make sure they have good footing and a good hand-hold at all times. An, age-old, seafaring reminder, which I first heard in the Coast Guard, goes like this. "One hand for the ship, one hand for the sailor."Children should never be allowed to move about on an underway boat. If you need to move around on the boat, for any reason, reduce speed and make sure to get and keep a grip with at least one hand. Alcohol and water don't mix. In a Red Cross study, two-thirds of boating injury victims had consumed alcohol. Almost 40% had an alcohol level above the legal limit. Besides being illegal, it's dangerous to operate any kind of machinery while drinking. A boat is no exception. 35% of boating accidents were directly attributable to alcohol use and the overwhelming primary cause of fatalities was alcohol-related. If you drink and boat, you are more likely to be involved in an accident, and once involved, more likely to die. 53% of fatal boating accident victims drowned, while 39% suffered trauma and 9% died of other causes. What About All Those Drownings?A recent Red Cross study noted 92% of boating-related drowning victims were either not wearing a PFD or life jacket or were wearing one incorrectly.The US Coast Guard is even more to the point, stating that of the 519 boaters who drowned in the year 2000, life jackets could have saved the lives of approximately 445 of those boaters who drowned. In 2000, approximately eight out of every ten victims in fatal boating accidents were not wearing life jackets. Always carry enough Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for each person on board, and make sure that each of them knows where they are and how to use them. It's your responsability, Captain. No one, least of all yourself, wants to hear that you thought they knew how to put on a PFD. If anyone won't prove their knowledge of the devise, or buddy up with someone to teach them, leave them ashore. You'll both be better off. Children and non-swimmers should wear one at all times that the boat is underway. For water-skiing, fishing, or simply cruising, PFDs are absolutely essential. It's now even easier to find the ideal PFD because they're available in a wide array of sizes, colors and patterns. You can now choose one in your favorite color, or to match your swimsuit or boat. Just make sure it fits properly! Does boating education help in preventing accidents?I can't stress this point enough.A recent Florida study brought out these interesting facts. 72% of operators involved in boating accidents had no formal instruction in the operation of a boat. 2.5 times as many accidents involve boaters who have had no boating safety instruction. Boating is a wonderful pastime, and lots of fun but, there are a few things, that one needs to know, in order for it to be a safe pastime. And don't worry about looking silly, I've been around boats all my life, (53 years) and hardly a day goes by that I don't learn something new or discover a new and better way of doing something. Two years ago I took a boating safety course with the idea that, with all my experience, I might be of help to some of the new people. Fact is, there were so many things I didn't know, or had forgotten, that I spent a good deal of time just asking questions. When the class was over, several of the students came up and thanked me for asking all the questions they weren't sure how to ask. Guess I was a help to the new people, after all, just not in the way I figured. Weather you are an old "salt", with years of boating experience, or a "lubber", who gets lost in the bathtub, do yourself and your loved ones a favor and take an approved boating safety course. The time to think through, and plan for a journey in a strange environment, is before you make the trip. Safety TipsTo prevent ending up in the emergency department as a result of carelessness during your next boating trip, the American College of Emergency Physicians recommends the following safety tips:
So There You Have ItTo learn more about safe boating, I'd like to suggest these Online sources of information. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or the U.S. Power Squadrons. Our sister-site, Ask-BoatCat.com offers more tips on boating safety and a complete page of links to Boating Safety related websites on the Internet.May all of your boating adventures be joyous and happy ones, unblemished by the blight of accident or injury.
Boating Safety Equipment You Must Haveby: Kadence BuchananWhether you're piloting a 40-foot sailboat or a canoe, the United States Coast Guard requires that every boat carry certain safety equipment. The equipment is not expensive or hard to find and may save your life in an emergency. Boaters who carry the standard safety equipment are statistically far more likely to survive a boating emergency than those who don't.The Coast Guard requires that there be a personal flotation device for each person present on the boat. Although the Coast Guard does not mandate that the personal flotation device actually be worn, some state laws require them to be worn at all times when the boat is underway by children under a certain age. Most reputable marinas will be able to provide you with information on applicable state laws regarding personal flotation devices. Additionally, if a boat is more than 16 feet in length a personal flotation device that can be thrown into the water, like a life ring, is required by the Coast Guard.Every boat, of all sizes, must have a whistle or horn. This noisemaking device serves to warn other boats of your presence and to use as a distress signal in case of emergency. Boats larger than 39.4 feet must carry both a bell and a whistle. The whistle must be able to be heard at a distance of one half a nautical mile. The bell must be at least 7.87 inches in diameter. Visual distress signals for night time use, such as emergency flares, are required on all boats traveling coastal waters, the Great Lakes, and any connecting body of water that is more than two miles wide. Larger boats are required to carry a daytime visual signal as well. Besides flares, other visual distress signals include flags, flashlights, water dye markers, and smoke signals. Boats larger than 26 feet must carry a Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher. Boats with no motors such as canoes or row boats and boats less than 26 feet that don't have permanent fuel tanks are not required to carry a fire extinguisher. The Coast Guard recommends, but does not require additional safety items. These include a blanket, oars in case the motor is disabled, a bucket for bailing and a first aid kit. Other useful items include rain ponchos and a tarp or plastic garbage back to keep yourself and your boat dry in a storm. Finally, the Coast Guard recommends filing a plan with a responsible party before you leave so that there is at least one person on land who knows where you plan to be. Safe Boating... All Summer Longby: News Canada(NC)—In Canada, studies show boating is a safe family activity. Almost every problem we hear about is the result of a stupid decision – mixing alcohol with boating and/or ignoring safety regulations. There are some very simple ways to keep you and your family safe while boating.The most common accident to passengers and crew is falling overboard. In fact, 40% of all fatal boating accidents arise from this. It can be avoided if boaters make sure they have good footing and a good hand-hold at all times. If you need to move around in the boat, hold on to both sides and keep your weight low.Don't mix alcohol and water. In a Red Cross Society study, two-thirds of boating injury victims – where the blood alcohol level was recorded – had consumed alcohol. Almost 40% had an alcohol level above the legal limit. In addition to being illegal, it's clearly a dangerous idea to operate a boat and drink. Always carry enough Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) for each person on board. For water-skiing, fishing or simply cruising, PFDs are absolutely essential. It's now even easier to find the ideal PFD because they're available in a wide array of colours and patterns. Choose one to match your swimsuit or boat and make sure it fits properly! The Red Cross Society study noted 92% of boating-related drowning victims were not wearing a PFD or lifejacket correctly! Boating, practiced by smart boaters is safe. U.S. statistics show boating is twice as safe as biking, five times as safe as driving and 24 times as safe as scuba diving. By practicing safe boating, you're guaranteed to have a great time boating all summer long. Safe Boating Week - Boater Checklist: Don't Leave Shore Without Itby: News Canada(NC)-Fresh breezes, sunshine and sparkling water - an ideal combination for summer pleasure boating. Don't let disaster darken your outing.Canada's leading provider of first aid training and safety products, St. John Ambulance, says take precautions to avoid tragedy. Keep this boater checklist handy and refer to it before you leave shore every time.
Many people think operating a boat requires merely knowing how to run the motor and steer. That's far from the case. Should your boat capsize or if you fall overboard, don't panic. Never attempt to swim to shore unless you are positive you can easily make it. Hang on to the boat and wait for help. If you are in the water for an extended period, be wary of the signs of hypothermia, which can be present even in warm water conditions. As the body cools it becomes susceptible to shivering, slurred speech, and drowsiness - all warning signs of hypothermia. The condition is severe when shivering stops. Unconsciousness and stopped breathing could follow. This is a dangerous, life-threatening condition that requires immediate first aid. Here's what to do when a hypothermic casualty is in the water:
Safe Boating Week-Don't Get 'Hooked' On Fishingby: News Canada(NC)-There's nothing like a fresh catch of fish to spice up a summer outdoor adventure. As with most outdoor activities, fishing can pose a threat to health and safety. Take care that you don't get hooked on more than just the sport. St. John Ambulance, Canada's leader in safety-oriented™ first aid training and products, suggests you keep this information handy for every fishing trip.First Aid for embedded fish hook
Boat Operation and Training CoursesSlalom Boat Driving TipsInstruction on how to set your slalom skier up for a perfect tow - on and off the slalom course.There is often a lot more to skiing slalom than guiding the ski in and out of slalom course buoys or in open water. To get that perfect run, to reach that new personal best, or to tame a course you need a boat driver that knows what they are doing.Here are some slalom driving tips that will keep the skier and boat driver happy:
Trained Boat Driver Program DescriptionThis two-step drivers’ program is designed to teach boat drivers, beginner through advanced, to safely operate a towboat while towing a water skier. The major emphasis of this program is safety consciousness at all times, and upon completion of the program, the driver will have the knowledge and skills to implement all necessary precautions to safely tow a water skier.STEP ONE – CLASSROOM: Educational opportunities through clinics are increasingly available and USA Water Ski active members of all skill levels are encouraged to take advantage of those listed in our publications. General clinic topics will include: boat handling, the observer, the ski area, starting, driving patterns, picking up the fallen skier, landing a skier and docking. More specific topics will include: the observer-skier-driver relationship and individual responsibilities; and, driving for the first time skier, the inexperienced skier, the small or large skier, the disabled skier and the kneeboard or barefoot skier. Other topics will include driving of the slalom and trick skier with an introduction to the art of tournament boat driving. STEP TWO – ON THE WATER: Drivers will be evaluated in several areas with regard to safety consciousness and skier awareness. Primary areas of evaluation will include: equipment check, starting and maneuvering the boat, communicating with the skier, acceleration, steering, stabilization of speed, adjustment of speed, returning to a fallen skier, landing a skier, returning the boat to the dock and overall safety consciousness. PARTICIPATION Clinics: Contact USA Water Ski’s Competition/Education Department or consult our publications for event calendars. If there is significant interest, USA Water Ski will assist in identifying qualified instructors for clubs that would like to host a Trained Boat Drivers’ clinic. Attendees of 3-Event Drivers’ Clinics may be awarded a Trained Driver rating by the Senior clinic official provided the attendee meets the on-water requirements of the Trained Drivers’ program as noted in Step Two above. Instructors: USA Water Ski-rated Regular or Senior Drivers are eligible to serve as instructors for the Trained Boat Drivers’ program. Individuals with current Trained Boat Driver and Safety Coordinator ratings may apply to become a Clinic instructor by assisting a Senior Driver at two USA Water Ski-sanctioned Trained Driver clinics. This experience must be documented by the Senior clinic official and forwarded to USA Water Ski's Competition Department. Eligibility and Costs: All USA Water Ski active members ($60 insured members) are eligible to participate in the Trained Boat Drivers’ program. There will be a $10 charge per person for each clinic to cover event and material costs. Maintenance: To maintain a Trained Driver’s rating, the individual must participate as a driver in at least one USA Water Skisanctioned Class “F” or Class “N” tournament per calendar year and attend a USA Water Ski-sanctioned Trained Drivers' clinic every four years. To ensure that your tournament work is recorded accurately at USA Water Ski Headquarters, please make sure that both the Tournament Officials’ Record and the top half of the Trained Driver Practical Experience Record are completed correctly and signed off. This record will serve as an important backup to USA Water Ski’s data on your work in case of a discrepancy. A Trained Driver may also maintain his/her rating by performing ten (10) hours of driving practical experience at a camp, ski school or USA Water Ski-sanctioned club exhibition/practice per calendar year and attending a USA Water Ski-sanctioned Trained Drivers’ clinic every four years. This experience must be verified by: a Camp Recreation Director, Ski School Manager or Safety Coordinator where the experience occurred; a USA Water Ski-recognized Course Conductor; a USA Water Ski-rated Regular or Senior Driver or another USA Water Ski-rated Senior Official. This experience must be documented on a Trained Driver Practical Experience Record and forwarded to USA Water Ski Headquarters’ Competition Department with your USA Water Ski “Active” Membership renewal. Benefits: The benefits of successfully completing the Trained Driver Program are:
Kids On Board Dr. Ginsberg has a few special admonitions for people who take their children boating and fishing. Take ordinary precautions about food and water safety (PFDs, proper seating, supervision, no hijinks underway), and the usual first aid supplies. His only concern is that children stay safe from sunburn, and that they get enough liquids, especially if they are too young to ask for a drink. He doesn't even demand that you keep kids out of the water for an hour after eating. "You might try 15-20 minutes," he says.“Children usually get more middle ear infections than adults,” Dr. Ginsberg told us, "but earaches caused by swimming are usually in the external part of the ear. There are over-the-counter drying agents. Too, remind your children not to put their fingers or anything else in their ears. This increases the likelihood of infection. “Set limits. Know when to say no. Use common sense. And love and have fun with your child”-Dr. Ginsberg When we asked about other problems that might be encountered when cruising with kids, he pointed out that children do get lost and get bored. "Lost" has a sinister new meaning on boats. Many parents keep the PFDs in the car. They go on when the family reaches the marina and don't come off until everyone is ready to go home. It's also important to hand over charge of children just as the Navy hands over the helm. Don't leave room for I-thought-he-was-with-you tragedies. Always know who has charge of the children ashore and afloat. Some parents also tether a toddler to a lifeline, or fasten netting to lifelines so little ones can't fall through. It's hard to imagine children getting bored on a boat, but a lot depends on the child, the time of year, and the location. In good weather when everyone is swimming and fishing, there isn't time to get bored. However, on rainy days, boredom descends immediately after breakfast. We find that ghost stories, read aloud in shadowy light, keep everyone entertained for a while. Books on tape, or movies, are also good for the whole family. Personal radios and players keep some kids occupied for hours. When that wears off, try putting on a radio play, recording it on tape. Scripts are available at the library, although some kids can write their own. Card games, drawing supplies and coloring books are compact and entertaining. We save a few extra games and treats to bring out later in the cruise. A frisbee takes up little room and it provides hours of beach fun. So does a kite. Nature identification books are always a hit, especially if we have binoculars and find things to look at. Lessons in rowing or sailing keep them occupied for hours. Avoid toys that get underfoot, such as marbles and matchbox cars, messy paints and glues that could mar the boat, and board games with pieces that could blow away or disappear in the bilge. Magnetic board games are wind-proof and jiggle-proof. Just keep them away from the compass. The best thing about family boating is that there are chores for everyone. We put the children in charge of flag etiquette and make big thing out of proper procedures, putting up the ensign at dawn, taking it down at sunset, and folding flags correctly. With supervision, kids can take the wheel and we can hardly pry them away. Age 7 learned to splice in an afternoon, and became so good at flemishing lines, she neated up the entire dock while the rest of us cleaned the catch. Our young guests learn to steer a compass course, keep a log, tie knots, and cast. If there's a pet on board, older children are in charge of walk's on the beach after they get a good lesson in pet etiquette. (Head for the bushes. Clean up Number Two. And don't let a dog piddle on the dock or anyone's dock lines, trailer tires, water hose or other gear.) Even dish washing turns into an adventure when we have to make do with a hand or foot pump, stove-heated water, or washing in sea water. On one charter boat, we heated fresh water in a solar shower and used it to rinse dishes that had been washed in salt water. Wide-eyed kids thought it was like playing Robinson Crusoe or Gilligan's Island. Even bath time becomes part of the fun when you have to jury rig a way to do it. Swimming over the side is the ultimate bath. If you rig a cold water shower in the cockpit, everyone can rinse down after swimming and towel dry without tracking sea or lake water into the cabin. Vel is one bar soap that lathers in salt water. So do most liquid soaps and shampoos. A fresh water rinse is a must after salt water bathing unless you want to feel damp and itchy. If you are on super-short water rations and can't spare any for a rinse, dry off with a towel then dust the child with talcum. It's difficult to bathe an infant or toddler in a marina shower, so carry a tiny, inflatable swimming pool to use as a bath tub. For older kids, play Indian by painting their dirty hands, faces and knees with shaving cream. Then send them into the shower. You can also create a pressure shower by using a clean garden sprayer (one that has never held poisons). Heat water on the stove, hose down the child, lather up, then rinse. It takes only a quart of water to get a satisfying wash and rinse. We have noticed only a few things different about feeding children on board than at home. One is that they want a lot more to drink, probably because of the drying effects of sun and wind. We carry many cartons of frozen water and only very lightly sugared fruit drinks. We avoid carbonated and sweet drinks for health reasons and to minimize trash. Everyone has their own mugs, which can be wiped out with a paper towel, so we don't spend a lot on paper cups. Another difference is that kids seem to be less picky about eating when they're on boats, and they eat more. We are amazed to see them scarf down reconstituted dry milk, boiled catfish, cookies without double stuff, stale potato chips, burned popcorn, and almost anything else we can scare up. Take lots of food, the best sun block, protective hats, sunglasses, and a shipload of cold drinks. Boating is the ultimate family fun. Share it with the kids.
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Latest News, Reviews and Information on Boating
