Fall is a great time for boating. The beautiful colours, great fishing, and relaxing days are just some of the reasons why boaters love the fall season. However, as the weather gets cooler, it’s important to take the right precautions to stay safe. We curated some of our top safety tips for boating in cold weather. 

1. Dress warmer than you think you need to
2. Pack extra warm clothes in a waterproof bag 
3. Check the weather before heading out 
4. Tell people where you’re going 
5. Wear a life jacket

 

Check the Weather Before Heading Out 

It’s important to have an idea of what the weather will be when you’re out on the water. Keep in mind – it always feels much cooler on the water than it does on land. 

While it’s important to check the weather before heading out, ensuring you can monitor the weather while on your boat is key to a safe day out. This is because the weather can change rapidly, and staying one step ahead will ensure a safe return home. As the weather cools down, being attentive to windchill is crucial. This can make the temperature feel much colder than it is, and if you are not properly prepared, it can cut your day on the water short. 

This is a great resource for finding marine-focused weather apps. 

As the days get shorter, you should plan accordingly. Once the sun begins to set, it’s not long before you’ll find yourself in complete darkness. If you’re familiar with nighttime and fall boating, this should be familiar to you. If you’re a boater who’s extending their season for the first time, be sure you’re properly prepared for the earlier sunsets. 

When it begins to get dark, the temperature will begin to drop off. Even if you were fortunate enough to have a beautiful and warm day, plan for a much cooler evening. Staying up-to-date on changes in the weather will make for a better boating in cold weather experience. 

Dress Warmer Than You Think You Need To 

For temperatures where you could wear a sweater or light jacket on land, you might want to layer up or even add a winter jacket when you’re on the water. 

Here are some tips for dressing, and staying, warm while you’re boating in cold weather: 

• Layer up 
• Don’t forget your extremities – thermal gloves, thick socks, insulated boots
• Wear a hat 
• Plan for wind exposure 
• Bring a scarf or buff 

 

Pack Extra Warm Clothes in a Water Proof Bag 

Packing extra clothes is always a good idea, for several reasons. You might feel cold once you get on the water despite thinking you’ve dressed warmly enough. If your clothes get wet, having a dry set of warm clothes to change into is something your future self will appreciate. 

Bring a blanket or an emergency foil blanket in case you need extra warmth. This is a great way to warm up without the bulk of too many extra layers – you can only wear so many sweaters, after all! 

Invest in some high-quality thermal layers. Similar to a blanket, these layers will keep you warm without the added bulk. Then, if you get warm, it’s easy to layer down to accommodate your comfort. 

Tell People Where You’re Going 

While it’s always important to communicate your whereabouts with people at home, it’s especially important to do this if you’re boating in cooler weather. Cool-weather creates hazards that you probably won’t encounter during the summer. 

Sharing your itinerary with someone at home is a great starting point. Let them know where you’re launching from, the route you’re planning to take, and your expected return time. Communicating these items with someone at home will ensure they know when to take action should anything happen to delay your return. 

Use your GPS when exploring new waters, or even if you’re on a major body of water like a Great Lake. This will ensure you can get back to your launch location at the end of the day. 

Wear a Life Jacket 

Life jackets are crucial at any time of the year, but especially in the cooler weather months. This is because if the water is cold, your body can go into shock if you fall in. This would make you unable to reboard your boat. A life jacket will keep your head above the water, effectively saving your life. 

 

Stay Warm, and Have Fun! 

Enjoying your boat late into the season is always a great idea, but being prepared for the cooler weather is an even better idea! Taking additional safety precautions means you can continue making memories on the water. 

Fall boating can be peaceful and fun, so long as you’re prepared for the cold. This is a great time of year to get more use out of your boat, and enjoy the beauty that nature has to offer. 

Following these safety tips will help you ensure a relaxing and worry-free fall boating season.