Motorboats, kayaks, canoes, rafts, pontoon, drift, stand up paddleboards, sailboats, personal watercraft; there’s a boat out there that can connect you to the water and a rental facility ready to help you get your feet wet if you’re new to boating. The Oregon State Marine Board invites boaters to explore the interactive Boating Oregon Map, where you can find a boat ramp near you, or plan for a weekend escape to places less-frequented. “This season is going to be a fantastic year for water recreation with abundant water,” says Ashley Massey, Public Information Officer for the Marine Board. “Just be sure to plan ahead by checking the weather, water levels, reported obstructions, and having all of the right gear. Boaters can check the Marine Board’s website for everything a boater needs to know to start planning a trip.” Massey adds. Massey emphasizes paying attention to your surroundings, continually scanning port to starboard and keeping a close eye on what’s dead-ahead. “2016 saw an increase in accidents, largely from collisions,” says Massey. “Familiarize yourself with the rules-of-the-road, and start out slow because of debris in the water from this past winter.” “With the extraordinary high water levels, many wing dams (also known as pile dikes) on rivers and bays are just below the surface, so boaters need to keep their distance from the shoreline up to several hundred feet out from shore.” Boaters are encouraged to learn where the wing dams are located based on the waterbody where they’re boating from www.charts.noaa.gov, for free, downloadable navigation charts. Think about taking a “dispersion excursion” to lesser-known waterbodies, especially for people new to paddlesports or seeking more solitude. There are 96 waterways where motors are prohibited and 50 designated as electric motor only waterways. Visit the Marine Board’s Experience Oregon Boating Handbook for more information about these areas. The Marine Board also recommends boaters play it safe by: * Abstaining from marijuana, drugs or alcohol. Instead, take along a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of water. Impairment can lead to a BUII arrest. Drugs and alcohol impair a boater’s judgement and coordination. Swift currents, changing weather and debris require boat operators to be focused and skilled to avoid an accident. * If you are feeling fatigued, take a break on land and return to the water when you are re-energized and alert. Wind, glare, dehydration and wave motion contribute to fatigue. Continually monitor the weather because it changes quickly. * Operators and passengers should wear properly fitting life jackets. Learn more about life jacket types, styles and legal requirements. Anyone rafting on Class III Whitewater Rivers is required to wear a life jacket, and all children 12 and under when a boat is underway. The water temperature for most waterways is below 50 degrees and wearing a life jacket is the most important piece of equipment for surviving the first few seconds of cold water immersion. * Never boat alone –especially when paddling. Always let others know where you are going and when you’ll return. * Be courteous to other boaters and share the waterway. Congestion is a given in many popular locations, especially with nice weather. Paddlers need to stay in calmer water near the shore and allow motorized boats to operate in deeper water. Motorized boaters should be given priority when launching, as many boat ramps are designed for heavier trailered boats to access the water. * In Oregon, all boaters must take a boating safety course and carry a boater education card when operating a powerboat greater than 10 horsepower. The Marine Board also offers a free, online Paddling Course for boaters new to the activity. For more information about safe boating in Oregon, visit www.boatoregon.com.
