Posted By Gail Kulp,
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Updated: Monday, October 23, 2023
Tow Bee Boating Safety Tip: Wear a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
PLBs are portable units you can use wear that emit a signal that rescuers can use to find you should you need to be rescued on the water. These beacons can only be activated manually and operate exclusively on 406 MHz.
Similar devices are called EPIRBs which stands for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon and they also have a built-in, low-power homing beacon similar to the PLB. However, an EPIRB is much larger and attaches to a boat, not to a person, and the signal is often automatically sent in an emergency.
In both devices, the emergency signal rescue forces to find the distress beacon through the satellite system which provides the necessary position information.
Posted By Michael Wesolowski,
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Updated: Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Tow Bee Boating Safety Tip: Using an Engine Cut Off Switch
An engine cut-off switch does just that – it turns off the engine automatically. It is often called a Kill Switch because it kills the power to the motor.
An engine cut-off switch is important if the boat operator or a passenger unexpectedly falls overboard when the boat is moving. This can happen when hitting a wave, the wake from another boat, taking a sharp turn, running into a submerged object, or from steering failure. The danger comes in worrying about running over the person in the water with the moving propellers which power the engine underwater and can cause injury or death in seconds. An unmanned powerboat that is still running will end up turning in a circle, often known as the Circle of Death, until it runs out of gas or hits something. And an operator that has been thrown overboard and is attempting to swim to reboard the boat could easily be hit as the boat continues to maneuver in an arc.
The engine cut-off switch is now a requirement for all recreational boats measuring 26 feet or less as of 2018. A copy of this law can be found here.
Engine cut-off switches can be as simple as the lanyard that comes standard with most boats and fits onto the wrist of the operator. Other models allow for wireless options that can be worn by the operator and the passengers of the boat and are activated when the fob-like device that they wear is no longer inside of the boat.
Cody from Waypoint TV talks about the importance of having and using an engine cut-off switch in this video.
Posted By Michael Wesolowski,
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Updated: Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Tow Bee Boating Safety Tip: Anchoring Your Boat
Anchoring your boat correctly can be a great skill to know that can come in handy in lots of situations.
The US Coast Guard gives two good examples of why you would need to know how to anchor correctly: 1) to stop for fishing, swimming, lunch, or an overnight stay, and 2) to keep the boat from running aground in bad weather or as a result of engine failure.
Anchoring can be a simple task if you follow the guidelines noted in the US Coast Guard publication, “A Boater’s Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats and Safety Tips.” The guide talks about the different types of anchors, chains, and length as well as selecting an area to anchor and preparing your boat to anchor. The guide also talks about how to avoid capsizing, sinking, or being swamped by waves when anchoring.
Our friend, Mandy, from Al’s Goldfish Lure Company talks about the importance of having an anchoring system and choosing the correct one for your boat in the video below.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Monday, June 24, 2019
Updated: Sunday, March 29, 2020
Tow Bee Boating Safety Tip: Stay Hydrated!
Tow Bee wants all boaters to know that dehydration is a doozie. Long days out on your boat combined with constant sunshine can lead to dehydration quicker than you might realize; and when sugary drinks like soda and juice are involved, those risks can be even higher. So, when you’re packing up the cooler for a day out on the water, be sure to include plenty of water for everyone on board. That means several bottles for each passenger if you’re going to be out all day!
It is especially important to limit alcohol consumption while on the water or skip it all together. Alcoholic beverages mixed with the sun, motion of the boat and the heat can be a dangerous combination. But, if alcoholic drinks are included in your boating plans, please designate a Sober Skipper before leaving the dock to ensure everyone’s safety.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Friday, June 14, 2019
Updated: Sunday, March 29, 2020
Tow Bee Boating Safety Tip: Keep Sunshine in Mind!
If there’s one thing that can instantly put a damper on your summer vacation, it’s sunburn. We’ve all been there, yet every summer, many of us end up as red as a tomato at some point or another. Long days out on the water mean more sun exposure than you might be used to. Combine that with getting in and out of the water to swim and cool off which leads to the sunscreen being washed off and it is easy to forget to reapply.
Next time you head out, grab plenty of sunscreen and set a timer to help remind you to reapply it every hour. If you’re out fishing or plan to be in the sun for extended periods of time without the shade of a canopy or umbrella available, consider a wide-brimmed hat and a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt. Many companies now make clothing with UV protection built in to the fabric. You can also wear a neck wrap to cover your neck, ears and the lower part of your face. And, of course, don’t forget to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and reflections.
Whatever you choose, be extra careful this summer so you don’t end up with the pain and discomfort of sunburn. And, it is important to know that sunburn can take place anytime during the rest of the year, too.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Updated: Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Tips for Loading and Unloading Your Vessel at the Boat Ramp
With boating season for most of the country underway, countless boaters are already out sharing in one of America’s greatest pastimes. This can sometimes lead to lines at the boat ramp and busy waterways, which at times, can lead to problems. In light of this, we wanted to make sure our members are prepared with a few boat-ramp tips to keep in mind as they kick-off the new season.
One Sea Tow member, Randall, recently reached out to tell us about he and his family’s recent fiasco at their local boat ramp. Instead of letting it bring him down, Randall wanted to share it as a learning experience to his fellow members far and wide.
Randall and his family were finishing up a fun day of jet skiing on their local waterway. Upon returning to the ramp, he and his son-in-law were loading the jet skis back onto the trailer when peril struck.
With constantly changing conditions – whether it’s weather, water current or something else – no two boating excursions are identical. The same can be said for loading and unloading at the ramp, something Randall and his family experienced firsthand.
Randall’s son-in-law approached the ramp and got out of the vehicle as he’d been taught – engine off and emergency brake set – however, it was low tide. The ramp was wet and the algae that had accumulated throughout the summer made the surface extremely slippery. Long story short, before they knew it, the truck had slid into the water.
In light of the situation, Randall wanted to share a few tips to help boaters who might find themselves in a situation similar to his, with the hope they might come out the other side safe, sound and dry. Below are a few of his tips:
“If the tide is half-to-low tide, I will lock the front axles on my four-wheel drive truck so that the front tires are mechanically locked in on drier pavement.” Sea Tow Says: This is a great practice to incorporate into your routine. Before backing down a ramp, note where the algae begins to accumulate and attempt to keep your vehicle off this area; you may not have the traction to recover your boat and trailer with the extra weight. It may be necessary to wait until a higher tide, use a different lane of the ramp, or use a different ramp all together.
“If my son-in-law (or someone else) is unloading or loading, we use wheel chocks and have a driver stay in the seat.” Sea Tow Says: It’s always a good idea to have a buddy help you load up so that someone is readily available to react if things don’t go according to plan. Wheel chocks are a great tool to prevent any sort of sliding, but only if if they are used against the wheels that are NOT on algae.
“Those who are not helping load or unload should stay on land. No passengers are allowed in the truck if it’s on the ramp, just in case the vehicle does slide down.” Sea Tow Says: Follow in Randall’s family’s footsteps and have your friends and family wait on shore while you load up on the ramp.
In addition, we have a few tips of our own that both new boaters and those with years of experience can always practice to make sure the loading and unloading process goes as smoothly as possible.
Take the time to make sure everything is ready and aligned before you start loading or unloading. Inspect the ramp’s conditions. Ensure your trailer and boat are ready to be moved. Line everything up carefully to ensure a smooth and safe process.
Only back your trailer in as far as necessary. Backing it in too far may mean getting into the algae with your vehicle, as well as making it more difficult to properly seat your boat on the rollers or bunkers as you drive back up the ramp.
Be aware of conditions. Make note of the tide, wind speeds and current. If you’re fighting rougher conditions, it can make it very difficult to align the vessel properly. Try handy little tips like facing the trailer ever-so-slightly downstream to make things a little easier.
Make sure you’re ready for the worst. Your Sea Tow membership and a corresponding Sea Insure insurance plan can help you in case things go south.
Take the time to load and unload your boat the right way. Don’t become preoccupied with busy ramps or rushing to get home. Give yourself plenty of time and space. Take the proper care and you’ll be much more likely to have a safe and fun-filled day out on the water. After all, that’s what it’s all about!
Posted By Michael Wesolowski,
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Updated: Wednesday, February 26, 2020
4 Spring Boating Safety Tips from a Sea Tow Captain
With boating season upon us, it’s important to review safety standards before your maiden voyage of the year. The Sea Tow Foundation sat down with Capt. Mike DeGenaro of Sea Tow Charlotte Harbor to learn some tips to help prepare boaters for the water this spring.
“As spring fever sets in, we have a lot of boaters heading out on the water. For some, it’s been over a year since their last cruise and others have been boating on lakes and smaller bodies of water out of state,” said Capt. Mike. “It’s important to make sure that they know a few safety tips to guarantee they have a much better boating experience, no matter where they splash.”
1. Always check the weather before heading out on the water. With the touch of a button, a marine forecast can be read on a smartphone. It’s important to realize the weather can easily change in a short amount of time. “This is even more serious when you’re in a small boat,” Capt. Mike cautioned. “Small boats are easily tossed around in wind and waves and can be easily swamped. When checking the forecast, look to see if a wind or small craft advisory is posted for the afternoon and plan your boating trip accordingly.”
2. Have a way to call for help. “Cell phones may work well on land but should not be relied on out on the water where signals can be weak or non-existent,” Capt. Mike said. “VHF radios are the best option for a boater to call for help because they work even after getting wet and rescuers can put out a call to other boaters in your area to get you help even faster.”
3. Know the area where you are boating and know how to communicate your location. “Telling a rescuer that you can see the blinking lights of a radio tower doesn’t help them find you when there are several identical towers in the same area that can all be seen for miles in any direction,” Capt. Mike noted. “What does help is knowing which boat ramp you left from, where you were heading and which marina you recently passed. This information will help rescuers find you.” A bonus is knowing how to read your instruments to give your exact latitude and longitude. This gives a precise location to rescuers and will save a lot of time, especially in a medical emergency.
4. Always carry a life jacket, an anchor and signal lights. Even if you don’t plan to be boating after dark, you always need to be prepared with lights and signals and your life jacket should be on as soon as you notice trouble. “Don’t let your boat drift into shallow water or be pulled out to sea by the tide,” said Capt. Mike. “Put on your life jacket, set your anchor down and use your lights to signal for help so that rescuers can find you.”
Boaters uses the Sea Tow app to determine their position.
With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a wonderful day of boating. Knowing you have a local Sea Tow Captain standing-by also gives you added Peace of Mind on the Water ™. Following these four tips and knowing basic boating safety will ensure a proper reaction in the event a situation that requires a call for help arises.
Posted By Michael Wesolowski,
Friday, January 4, 2019
Updated: Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Winter is a Great Time to Take a Boating Safety Course
As the days get colder, it seems like the summer will never get here. Although your boat and gear may be stored away safely for the winter, you shouldn’t let your skills and knowledge get put away, too. Many states make changes to boating laws and regulations over the winter months, so it is good to get a refresher now that the New Year is here. A boating safety course will make sure that you know everything you can about being a safe boater including the legal requirements before inviting friends and family out on your boat in a few months when it warms up again.
You can find classroom courses that are offered locally in your area in the evenings or on weekends or you can take a class online from your home or office. Courses are offered by state boating agencies, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, America’s Boating Club and many companies and organizations, just make sure that the course meets the requirements for certification or to get a license in your state. The interactive, online course offered by our friends at iLearntoBoat.com meets the legal requirements in many states with many more being added daily. Regardless of how the course is presented, the test will include questions on life jackets, fire safety, anchoring procedures, the Navigation Rules, emergency situations, and state-specific information that boaters should know to be safe on the water in their state. If you boat in multiple states, it may be good to take a course in each of those states to be certified and up to speed on the rules in each state.
As an added incentive to get this training, boating insurance companies frequently offer discounts to boaters who successfully complete an approved boating safety course. Check with your insurance company for a list of courses or you can visit the U.S. Coast Guard’s website to find a list of approved courses that will allow you to get your boating certificate or boating license.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Friday, November 2, 2018
Updated: Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Be Sure To Wear Your Life Jacket This Winter
Did you know that your chances of dying from going overboard are five times greater in winter months than in the summer? The Sea Tow Foundation wants to remind boaters to always wear their life jackets, especially once the temperatures begin to drop. A total of 5 northern states have laws requiring life jackets to be worn by boaters during typically cold weather months. This requirement is in response to the number of accidents and deaths that have occurred as a result of cold-water immersion.
“If you were to become immersed in cold water for even a short period of time, manual dexterity will be lost – along with your ability to swim or put on a life jacket – within ten minutes of being in the water,” said Sea Tow Foundation Executive Director, Gail R. Kulp. “Without a life jacket, the cold can lead to drowning long before hypothermia even begins to set in.”
The five states with cold water life jacket wear policies each have differing requirements:
Connecticut
Life jackets must be worn by anyone in a manually propelled vessel from October 1 through May 31 (must be a Type I, II, III, V or V-hybrid).
Maine
All boaters canoeing or kayaking on the Saco River between Hiram Dam and the Atlantic Ocean between January 1 and June 1st must be wearing a life jacket.
Massachusetts
Life jackets must be worn from September 15 - May 15 when operating a canoe or kayak.
New York
All owners or operators of a boat less than 21 feet, including rowboats, canoes and kayaks, between November 1st and May 1st, must ensure that all passengers must be wearing a securely-fastened United States Coast Guard-approved wearable personal flotation device of an appropriate size while out on the water.
Pennsylvania
From November 1 to April 30, boaters are required to wear a life jacket while on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak.
Even if your state doesn’t have a cold weather life jacket wear requirement, it is a smart and safe idea to wear a life jacket any time the water temperature drops below 60 degrees. It is imperative that, during cold weather months, boaters not only wear a life jacket, but have one that is USCG-approved and is appropriate for the type of activity that you will be participating in. Life jackets save lives, but only if they are worn.
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