Woody Rows His Own Boat by M. K. Sejbl Woody and his family were on their first summer campout at their favorite lakeshore campground. Woody was so excited that all the way to the campground he kept saying, “Boy, oh boy. This is the year when I get to row a boat all the way across the lake by myself.” “Yes, Woody,” said Woody’s mother, “we promised you that you could go out in the boat all by yourself this summer, but first let’s see if you know all the safety rules.” “Let’s see if I remember the safety rules I learned in my boating safety class,” said Woody. “First, you should carry enough life preservers. Little kids and people who can’t swim should wear a life jacket or life vest all the time they’re in the boat, but there should be a life vest, life jacket or other floatation device aboard for every person on the boat.” “Very good,” said Woody’s dad. “What are the other safety rules?” “OK,” said Woody, “all boats, especially motor boats, should carry a fire extinguisher in case there is a fire from gasoline, oil or other stuff that can burn in water. And a horn or whistle to signal other boats is a really good thing to carry.” “That’s great,” said Woody’s mom. “Were there any other safety rules?” “Yes,” said Woody, “If you are going to be out after dark, you should have running lights ­ a red light on the left front of the boat, that’s called the port bow; a green light on the right front of the boat, that’s the starboard bow; and a bright white light at the stern, that’s the back of the boat.” “Wow,” said Woody’s dad, “you really learned to talk like a sailor in your safety class. I think you’re ready to go out for your first solo boat ride. Just remember that if you see a Coast Guard officer…” “Yes, Dad, I know,” interrupted Woody. “Coast Guard officers on a lake or river, or in the ocean are like a traffic police. They make sure your boat is safe and also that you operate your boat safely. They can even give speeding tickets if you don’t obey the signs that say ‘Slow’ or ‘No Wake Area’. But don’t worry, Dad and Mom, I won’t row that fast. “The Coast Guard is also in charge of rescuing boaters from capsized boats and finding lost boaters. That’s why we should always leave a cruise plan with someone on shore when we go out on a boat. Then if we don’t come back on time, the Coast Guard will go out and look for us.” “Just one more safety rule,” said Woody’s mom, “never overload your boat, even if all of your friends want to ride with you. Check the special plate on the boat which tells you how many people your boat can hold and never, ever carry more people that your boat can safely manage.” “That’s easy,” giggled Woody, “I’m not going to take anyone with me. I’ve been waiting all winter so that I can go out in the boat alone. Now can I go out in the boat? Please! Please! Please!” “Sure Woody,” laughed his parents, “just make sure that you are home in time for the campground picnic.” Woody ran down to the lake, put on his life jacket and climbed in his family’s rowboat. Everyone in the campground could hear Woody happily singing, “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” as he set off for his first solo boat ride. Floatation Devices A life jacket or similar floatation device is the single most important piece of boating safety equipment. Safe boaters always have have least one personal flotation device for each person on the boat. Children and people who don’t know how to swim should always wear a life jacket or vest. Even good swimmers should put on a life jacket if the weather turns bad or there is rough water or high waves. Signaling Devices All boats, even canoes and rowboats, should carry a sound signalling device. This is very important if you are caught on the water during rain, fog, mist or any type of weather that reduces your visibility. A bell, horn, or even a good, loud whistle can be easily carried on in your boat so that you can let other boats know your location. Running Lights After sunset, all boats on the water must have running lights. This is so other boaters can see you and determine your course. There are only three colors of lights used on boats: Red on the port bow (front-left side); left on the starboard bow (front-right side), and a white light is usually located on the stern (back) of the boat. Heed Capacity Warnings Never overload your boat. Boat manufacturers install a plate on the boat which defines load capacity, flotation, navigation lights and other important data about the craft. This plaque is standardized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Coast Guard Rules Always obey the Coast Guard. In many areas, the Coast Guard will gladly conduct safety checks on boats and their safety equipment. Also, many junior colleges and adult education programs offer boating safety programs for both adults and children. Everyone who plans to operate a boat should take a boating safety course, and children especially need to learn how to operate a boat safely. The Boat U.S. Insurance Company can refer you to a boat safety class anywhere in the continental U.S. For a safety class near you call 800/336-BOAT. Excerpted from Woodall's Monthly Regional RV/Camping Publications.   Home | Back to Kids' Camping Corner | Back to Stories | Top of Page ©2000. Woodall Publications Corp. All copy and images.