Boating In Rough Water
Whether you’ve checked the weather forecast or not, it’s known for being unpredictable. Even the most careful boaters can get caught in rough waters, so you need to be prepared. We here at McGovern’s RV & Marine want to help you stay on top of things, so we’ve put together some tips for boating in rough water. To learn more, or to see the boats we have for sale, contact our store in Grande Prairie, Alberta, today!
Stay Ahead Of The Weather
Even though weather forecasts are educated guesses, they’re still a good place to start your planning process. Figure out the probable weather conditions for your planned boating day and time several days in advance, then double-check the day of.
More than that, trust your senses. A darkening sky, dropping temperature, and ominous clouds can all be signs that it’s time to raise anchor and head back to shore. Keep a transmitter radio nearby that can get weather data, as well, in case your phone or GPS can’t get a signal.
Caution
If you do end up in poor weather conditions, caution is your key strategy to staying safe. Visibility is likely to be impacted, so you need to see and be seen as effectively as possible. Turn on navigational lights to increase your visibility, but nothing too bright unless it’s absolutely necessary—the light’s reflections can be more confusing than helpful.
You should also slow down a bit. It’s tempting to rush back to the dock at top speed, but poor visibility and high speeds are a recipe for disaster. Slower speeds will also harm your hull less. If you see any large swells, try to take them at a 45° angle.
Worst Case Scenario: Ride It Out
If the weather is bad enough, there may be no better solution than trying to just ride it out, especially if you’re getting tossed around and can’t control your boat’s movements. Make sure you’re visible, angle the boat 45° to the swells, and stay still. If the weather starts clearing, you can navigate back to the dock safe and sound.
That said, make sure you have all the recommended safety gear and supplies before you even hit the water in case things get worse rather than better. You’ll want well-fitted life jackets for everyone aboard (including ones with crotch straps for younger crew members), flares, a fire-extinguisher, and a first aid kit.
We hope you never need these tips, but preparation is key! If you have any questions, or you’d like to see the boats we have in stock, contact us at McGovern’s RV & Marine. We proudly serve the people of Edmonton, Alberta—let us serve you today!