10 Candlewood Lake Boating Safety Tips

There’s nothing quite like spending the day on your boat on Candlewood Lake. Just be sure safety is always a priority. From must-have safety gear to how to safely operate a boat, check out these important boating safety tips:

1. Be Prepared With a Boat Safety Kit

You can’t always predict an emergency, so be prepared for any situation. Your boat safety kit should be kept on board no matter the size of your boat. Below are some essential items your safety kit should include.

• Flashlight – A flashlight and extra batteries can help you see around your boat in the dark and allow you to be seen if you run out of fuel or if your craft stalls.
• Duct tape – Spring a leak? Temporarily bandage the hole with duct tape.
• Bucket – Even if the boat isn’t leaking, water may otherwise enter the vessel. A bucket can help you bail it out.
• First aid kit – A properly equipped first aid kit, plus the knowledge on how to use it, is vital in case of an accident or medical emergency.
• Whistle – As a recognized signal calling for help on the water, a waterproof whistle is another must-have.
• Ropes – These are critical for pulling someone in who has fallen overboard, securing your craft to the dock and tying down loose items in extreme weather.
• Mirror – A mirror or any reflective object can signal for help.
• Garbage bags – Use them as rain ponchos and protection for items on board.
• Fire extinguisher – Just because you’re on the water doesn’t mean you can’t have an onboard fire. All passengers should know the location of your fire extinguisher and how to use it.
• Life jackets – You should have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for every person on board. Read on for information on picking out the right life jackets.

You can find a very affordable 40 Piece Boat Safety Kit on Amazon.

2. Bring The Proper Life Jackets

Life jackets do more than simply keep you afloat. Many are designed to turn an unconscious person face up and even help prevent hypothermia. By law, all boats must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board. In Connecticut life jackets are mandatory for all people on board between October 1st and May 31st. All children under 12 years old must always wear a life jacket. Choose a life jacket that is right for your height and weight, plus:

• Try it on before purchasing. Fasten the vest, hold your arms straight up over your head and have someone gently pull the top of the arm opening to make sure it fits snugly.
• Auto and manual inflatable life vests can turn an unconscious wearer face up, but they require regular maintenance. They’re also not recommended for children under 16 years of age.
• If you’re going fishing, look for a life jacket with pockets and straps to easily carry tackle and supplies.

There are many types of life jackets on the market. Make sure the one you buy is appropriate for your on-water activity.

3. Check The Weather Beforehand

Warm, sunny days are ideal for boating, but you can’t always predict when a storm will roll in. Varying gusts of wind and choppy water are signs of an approaching storm. And even if it’s a warm spring day, the water could instead reflect winter temperatures. In the event that your boat capsizes or you and your passengers get wet, make sure you have a plan to seek help and get dry.

To check the weather forecast for Candlewood Lake, click here!

4. Don’t Overload The Boat With People Or Equipment

5. Check For Harmful Fumes

After refueling your boat, open all the hatches and smell for fumes. If detected, don’t start the engine.

Carbon monoxide can accumulate in and around your boat and unexpectedly knock you or your guests unconscious. Be aware of all the places fumes and gases can accumulate, including:

• Inadequately ventilated canvas enclosures
• Enclosed spaces
• Blocked exhaust outlets
• Nearby boats
• When your engine is idling, running at a slow speed or stopped

6. Use Common Sense On The Water

The old saying “common sense is not that common” is quite fitting when your on the water! Rules on the water aren’t much different than rules on the road. It’s important to use common sense, such as staying alert at all times, operating at a safe speed and ensuring that passengers stay safely within the boat’s railings. Don’t forget to always give way to sailboats under sail!

7. Follow Proper Anchoring Procedures

Having the right anchor isn’t enough. To keep the wind from dragging your boat, you may need to drop two anchors in a V-formation at the front of the craft to keep it from drifting.  To help prevent the tide from lifting your anchor, you may need to drop it in deeper water – about 20-30 feet or so.

8. Follow Proper Docking Procedures

Depending on the wind, the current and your type of boat, docking can be a challenge. As you approach the dock or shore, make sure your bumpers are out to prevent damage to your craft, reduce your speed and make sure the docking lines are secured. If the wind is blowing towards the shore, bring the boat about two feet from the dock and the wind will gently pull it in. You can then secure it with lines. If the wind is blowing away from the shore, approach the dock at a 20- to 30-degree angle to compensate for the wind. Then secure the bow line.

9. Take a Boating Safety Course

The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that 70% of boating accidents are caused by operator error. Before you leave the dock, make sure you know the rules and your responsibilities. There are several online courses available, including a few free courses. In Connecticut, a boating safety course in mandatory to operate a boat on Candlewood Lake. Connecticut now offers online courses to get your boating safety certificate and your personal watercraft endorsement. You can also find the classes offered by the CT DEEP by visiting the DEEP Website.

10. Beware Of Hazards On The Water

On Candlewood Lake you will find hazards such as sand bars, rocks, swim areas, and many “no wake” zones. Be sure to pay attention and keep an eye out for the hazard buoy’s.

Last but not least, HAVE FUN! There is so much to do on Candlewood Lake, to check out fun Candlewood Lake activities visit https://www.candlewoodlakelife.com/things-to-do-on-candlewood-lake.html