MetLife Boat Safety Tips

Hunting Safety On The Water

Hunting Facts

Each year more hunters die from drowning and the effects of hypothermia than from gunshot wounds. Most of the accident reports from waterborne hunting fatalities are not dramatic stories. The hunter didn't succumb in an "Outdoor Life and Death" struggle with a twenty-foot python or enrage a hippopotamus that attacked their boat. Rather, the accident reports usually read: "Fell out of boat reaching for a decoy and never resurfaced" or "Capsized boat while standing to take a look at passing ducks...struggled briefly in the cold water, then seemed to become paralyzed before help could arrive."

Keep in mind that many hunters do not regard themselves as "boaters" and as a consequence do not consider the special conditions and challenges of the marine environment. To ensure a safe hunting trip, make a point to KNOW BEFORE YOU GO about your boat, its equipment, the weather and yourself.

Your Safety Equipment

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's) are essential to safe waterborne hunting. Statistics show that the great majority of capsizing and falls overboard occur with boats less than 20 feet in length. Many hunters don't realize that a PFD is REQUIRED to be carried for each person aboard, the same as in other boat outings. It is strongly suggested that everyone wear one. Many special purpose Coast Guard Approved PFDs are on the market today. Special vests for hunting and fishing are available.

Other items of safety equipment that are ADVISABLE to have onboard:

• Day and Night visual distress signalling devices.
• Anchor with enough line to keep your boat from drifting.
• Oars or paddles as a supplemental form of propulsion.
• Water bailer (coffee can or scoop made from a bleach bottle).
• First aid kit.
• Extra foul weather clothing.
• Compass and charts of the area.
• Emergency tools and spare parts.

Your Boat

Be familiar with the characteristics of your boat. Most hunters use smaller, more easily transportable craft like johnboats, bassboats or canoes. Some boat designs are not as stable as others. These types, because of their flat bottoms or narrow beams, are more probe to swamping or capsizing. How can you avoid an unplanned fall into the water?

• Never cross large bodies of water during rough weather.
• Stay with your boat if you capsize and can't get to shore.
• Avoid standing up or moving around in the boat. This includes your dog!
• Remain seated and be certain to store your equipment properly.
• NEVER move about your boat with a loaded gun or rifle.
• Don't overload your boat with passengers or equipment. Know the carrying capacity of your boat; use the capacity plate attached to the inside hull as guidance.

Your Personal Limitations

As a boat owner, you have a personal responsibility to maintain physical preparedness while out on the water since the lives of others may be affected by your actions. Are you aware that many external factors can impair your mental alertness? Some of these stress factors include:

Fatigue: Hunting can be a physically demanding sport. Hours of sitting with exposure to wind, sun and glare can slow your reaction time. Don't overextend your endurance by staying out on the water longer than you should.

Hypothermia: Hypothermia occurs when the body is subjected to prolonged cold temperatures. The most common cause of hypothermia is exposure to cold water, though long exposure to cold air can cause it as well. Immersion in cold water is the leading killer of boating hunters. A person immersed in cold water can lose body heat 25 times faster than in air at the same temperature. Each person is affected by the cold differently. Dress appropriately for the environment you are in.

Five Stages of Hypothermia:

1. Shivering
2. Apathy
3. Loss of consciousness
4. Decreasing heart rate and breathing
5. Death

Activity such as treading water only quickens heat loss. While awaiting rescue, the best thing to do is assume a Heat Escape Lessening Position (H.E.L.P.) that should reduce your body's heat loss by 50%. By using this position you will reduce direct exposure to the water of those body parts where heat is lost at a greater rate, such as armpits, ribs, groin and head. Your position will have to be adjusted depending on the PFD and clothing being worn.

Alcohol

Every sensible hunter knows that alcohol or drugs don't mix with guns and boating. Drugs or alcohol seriously impair judgement and coordination. You know your aim can be affected by them, but did you know that 50% of all reported boating fatalities are alcohol-related? Your hunting trip should be enjoyable and safe. You can ensure that it will be with prior planning and diligence while out on the water.

The Weather and Environment

The weather and surrounding water conditions are important factors to consider when setting out on a hunting trip. Most water-related hunting fatalities occur on smaller bodies of water late in the year, when water and air temperature are lower, and there is a greater frequency of storms. If the weather looks bad or if there is a forecast for upcoming storms, don't risk going out. If you do get caught in a squall, head for shore diagonally to the waves. Move passengers and equipment into the center of the boat to improve stability.

Hunters deliberately seek out less populated areas. In these locations, there is less opportunity for someone to find you in an emergency. It is wise to let someone know the general area you will be in by leaving them a float plan.