Start of the Fall Boating Season

Here it is September, and hopefully a beautiful Fall season. September 7th, Labor Day, marked the start of the fall boating season. It’s a time for cooler temperatures, un-crowded waterways and great fishing opportunities. However, this time of year also brings its own unique safety challenges, especially for boaters and anglers in smaller craft.

Glen Lake, Goffstown, NH in the fall of 2008 (Photo by Rebecca Caron)

“There are specific reasons why September, October and November are the deadliest months of the year for boaters,” said Boat U.S. Foundation Director of Boating Safety, Chris Edmonston, referring to the newly released U.S. Coast Guard’s 2008 Recreational Boating Statistics. “The good news is that there are some common-sense steps that may prevent a small mishap from becoming serious,” Edmonston added.

Here are some 2008 U.S. Coast Guard statistics along with some fall boating season safety tips:

1. While there are more accidents in the summer months when recreational boating is in full swing, the odds of dying, if you are in an accident, go up in the months of October and November. The reason? Boaters being unprepared for the conditions (22% and 25% of all accidents in these months respectively result in deaths).
2. Statistics show that over half of all boating deaths occur with small boats. That’s because they are usually open to the elements and more vulnerable to wind, waves and swamping.
3. Cold water quickly saps away your strength. Wearing a life jacket could give you the time you need to safely re-board if you accidentally fall overboard. Also, ensure that you have a means to quickly get back on board without assistance, such as a ladder or even a dock line. Over two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned and of those, 90% were not wearing a life jacket.
4. Don’t let the sunny skies fool you. Dress appropriately and recognize that even slight changes in the weather can make hypothermia a real threat if you are not prepared.
5. In the fall, there are very few fellow boaters and anglers near by, your closest potential rescuers. Without the help of fellow boaters, your float plan is your only back-up. Share with a family member or trusted friend where you plan to go and when you expect to return, so they may notify authorities if you have not returned as planned.
6. A VHF radio is a must. Depending on where you are, a cell phone or personal locator beacon may be additional pieces of important communication gear.

I have a VHF radio aboard my 16 foot Sea Nymph Fishing Machine, but I also carry my cell phone. Being prepared is a must. Don’t cause a false alert. Words from my wife, Betty: “Because anyone can forget, leave a written plan, including your vehicle information. And when circumstances alter that plan (no parking available or no fish biting, etc.) call with the new information. When the fishing is so good you just don’t want to quit on time (call) or if you join a buddy for dinner somewhere afterwards, call to say you are off the water. No worry for anyone and a false, un-needed rescue call is avoided.”

For freshwater anglers, salmon season ends September 30th, but there are other freshwater species still available beyond September, including bass, crappie, pickerel, white perch and yellow perch. In lakes and ponds, trout are open until ice-in. For non-anglers, fall boating is a wonderful time to enjoy fall foliage and lake scenery also. Basically, as previously stated, the majority of boaters are out of the water and things are far more peaceful. Have fun and enjoy your fall boating experience.

Bob Harris can be reached via e-mail at: outwriter2@aol.com

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