Hunting & Fishing

Hunting & Fishing

Though many fisherman, hunters and anglers don’t consider themselves to be boaters, if they use semi-V hull vessels, canoes, kayaks or even flat-bottom boats, they are. In fact, U.S. Coast Guard statistics have indicated that nearly one-third of all boating fatalities have occurred on trips that involved some type of fishing. It is important for hunters and fisherman to understand and utilize the same safe boating practices as other boat operators on the water.

The smaller boats and canoes usually used by hunters and fishermen tend to be less stable and are more susceptible to capsizing. More hunter fatalities occur each year from drowning accidents and cold-water shock than from gun accidents. Most hunting and fishing water accidents are the result of a fall overboard while standing to fish or hunt.

Standing on a small boat raises the center of gravity and can cause the boat to become unstable. The change in the center of gravity makes it possible for a wave, sudden turn or wake to capsize the boat or cause a passenger to fall into the water. Sports enthusiasts must be fully knowledgeable of their boat’s limitations and be able to overcome them.

Always remember that a lifejacket can best protect someone who has fallen overboard. If a boater or passenger falls into the water with their lifejacket on board, the boat could be too far away to reach. It is better to wear a lifejacket at all times while hunting and fishing on the water than to risk being stranded in the water without one.