Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats

 Small Boats and Water Activities

Many hunters and anglers do not think of themselves as boaters, but use small semi v-hull vessels, flat bottom jon-boats or canoes to pursue their sports. These boats tend to be unstable and easily capsize. Capsizings, sinkings, and falls overboard from small boats account for 70% of boating fatalities and these facts mean you must have a greater awareness of the boat's limitations and the skill and knowledge to overcome them.

Standing in a small boat raises the center of gravity, often to the point of capsizing. Standing for any reason or even changing position in a small boat can be dangerous, as is sitting on the gunwales or seat backs or on a pedestal seat while underway. A wave or sudden turn may cause a fall overboard or capsizing because of the raised center of gravity.