How to cope with boating hazards - Swimming

Boating - What are some of the risks to our health

This blog is based on the idea that boating is inherently a positive healthy avocation 

but we have to acknowledge that boating has a few risks to our health. Most of these 

risks are accidental injuries. Now let's identify some of these risks, discuss them and 

perhaps find some ways to reduce these risks. Listed below are some of the risks of being near the water and how to cope with them.

Drowning. One of the main reasons so many enjoy boating is that it is done on the 

water, be it a pond, lake, river, swamp, bay, coast or open ocean.  We can talk all 

about the benefits of being on the water but all boaters run the risk of drowning or 

water related injuries. 

• Swimming is a healthy exercise that most people enjoy. Using caution and being prepared with diminish the risks.
• Wear a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) if you cannot swim or there is any doubt  about your ability to cope with the conditions. 
• Swim with a buddy. If you must swim alone take some precautions like making sure you can get out of the water even if you are tired. A good ladder that  extends down a few steps below the surface will facilitate climbing back on board. 
• Having a line trailing with a float attached trailing in the water allows you to grab onto it if there is a current flowing past the boat. 
• Wear a wetsuit or a 'Lycra' suit to protect from cold or stinging creatures. 
• Know your swimming abilities and energy levels. Swim up current outbound so you can come back easier. 
• Tides and currents. be aware of potential currents caused by tides. If caught in a tide rip swim across the current to get into slack water rather than try to fight it.  
• Poisonous sea creatures. Wear protective apparel for protection from stings. Avoid stepping on stingrays that hide on the bottom in the sand. Stay away from poisonous fish and shellfish. 
• Aggressive fish. Try not to swim in areas where aggressive fish abound. Do not wear bright, flashy objects like jewelry. Do not go in the water while bleeding.  
• Alcohol and drugs. Do not go swimming or operate a boat of any size while using  these. While it is a sociable thing to go over to another boat for cocktail hour when the 'sun is over the yardarm', more than a drink or two increases the risk of falling while getting in or out of your dinghy to return to your boat. 
• It is hard to judge how much our reaction times and movements are retarded by small amounts of alcohol. I remember when I was a much younger man windsurfing in Tonga. After stopping at another boat for two drinks I was unable to sail back to my  own boat in a brisk wind because I was not able to react quickly enough to wind  shifts. The incident made me realize how much a small amount of alcohol can affect the body. 
• Sunburn. Be SunSmart use at least 15+ sunscreen, wear a long-sleeve shirt and broad brimmed hat. Limit you time in the sun. Beware of the reflected UV off of the water

Enjoy the water. It is part of healthy boating. By using a little prudence swimming off 

your boat can be a fun, easy way to improve your health through exercise.