Safe Boating Tips by Fishing Guide Shane Goodner

[Kevin]

I do most of my guiding for rainbow trout in the tailrace waters below a hydro-electric dam here in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The majority of that time is spent navigating my boat in and out of shallow water and around rocks and sandbars that are made more hazardous by the swift currents that are present from the release of water from the dam.

I learned early in my fishing career the value of safe boating and this knowledge has made me a better fishermen -- not to mention saving my neck more times than I care to remember. I think that discussing some of the more important points has value and will increase your chances of having a successful trip and possibly saving you and your equipment as well. 

First of all, never forget to wear your life jacket. While it is a hassle to take it on and off, it is much better to be alive when the trip is over rather than be injured or killed from being lazy and silly enough to think that nothing bad could ever happen to you. Find one that fits and wear it the entire time you are on the water. It's like wearing a seatbelt in your vehicle, once you start wearing it, you will feel strange if you drive your car without it.

Also insist that anyone who goes with you in the boat wear one also. Tragedy can strike at any time in life so take yourself out of that equation by simply being prepared.

Secondly, have a cellphone within easy reach at all times with emergency numbers programmed in. These numbers need to be quickly available should you need to contact someone in case of boat trouble or accident. I keep mine in a waterproof bag in my life jacket in case I should be thrown from the boat. It's there to use and will be with me and dry.

Third, have a first aid kit mounted somewhere handy in the boat. There are sure to be times when minor cuts and scrapes occur so first aid needs to be applied. Of course, a quality kit will be priceless should a real emergency take place.

A fire extinguisher ( number 4 on the list )  nicely compliments a first aid station and could save you and your boat from going up in flames should the unthinkable happen.

Fifth on the list of must have boating items is the bilge pump. I cannot begin to tell you the times when my boat took on large amounts of water when I was attempting to shoot up a shallow shoal area. Large waves easily go over a low gunneled flat bottom boat so a river craft is susceptible to such an occurrence. A sudden downpour can fill a boat to dangerous levels quickly, as well as a leak caused by colliding with a rock or stump. Always turn on your bilge pump when going up a shoal as there might not be time if you wait until you are taking on water. I would never get in a boat that didn't have a good bilge pump installed so do yourself a favor and get one if you plan on living a full life. You would be shocked how fast a boat can be sunk when water finds its way inside so don't take a chance.

Last, but not least, there are going to be times when your anchors become hung up on the bottom. In a heavy current situation or with fast rising water, you are going to have to be able to free yourself from the stuck anchor quickly or face capsizing. Using your main engine to push against the anchor rope will most always work, but if you don't have time for that - a sharp knife can cut you away from danger. I have had to cut myself free on several occasions because I simply didn't have time to do anything else.

Thinking clearly and making fast decisions are vital to being a safe boater and come with experience along with taking time to talk to individuals who have been there before. To be sure, these six items aren't the only pieces of equipment a good boater should possess.

But, I promise you that having these items in your boat and using them the right way will help you enjoy your time on the water more and could possibly save your life. I can't think of anything more important than that.