New York Safe Boating - 2020 - 32

BEST BOATING PRACTICES

These dams are very difficult to see from upstream, making
knowledge of the river all the more important before
operating on it. Check your chart and pay attention to any
buoys or markers that may be in the water. You should
never approach one of these dams and must be especially
careful to stay well clear of the "boil line." This is the area that
marks the separation of water flowing back into the dam and
downstream. It looks, literally, like the water is boiling in this
spot. Stay away!

go slowly and keep your navigation lights on. Learn how to
recognize the navigation lights of other boats. Make sure
you can differentiate between a masthead light, a stern light,
and lights on shore. If you can correctly recognize other
boats' navigation lights, they will tell you the direction the
other boats are traveling. That will help you avoid accidents
in the dark.
The water isn't marked like a road, and your boat has no
headlights to illuminate the water in front of you. It's hard to
see a floating log or debris in the dark, so be on the lookout
for hazards in the water and pay attention to the lights on the
waterway's navigation markers-these mark the path of the
good, navigable water.

Conventional larger dams-and any other type of water
impoundment- also can be extremely dangerous.
Dangerous currents, large vertical drops, and steep spillways
are just a few of the many potential hazards that can be found
at these sites. You will often find overhead power lines at
power generation dams-these overhead lines can pose
hazards as well. Usually a dam is marked with warnings or
exclusionary buoys. Stay well outside these markers.

Locks

The New York State Canal system is comprised of four main
canals, the Erie, Champlain, Cayuga-Seneca, and Oswego.
These canals connect hundreds of miles of lakes and rivers
stretching across New York's heartland, gliding past lush
farmland, famous historic battlefields, scenic port towns and
thriving wildlife preserves. There are 57 locks along these
canals and almost 300 miles of lakes and rivers accessible
from the canals.

NEVER LET YOUR BOAT DRIFT INTO THE
HAZARDOUS AREAS IN AND AROUND DAMS!

Nighttime Operation

It's more challenging to operate a boat after dark than during
the day, and safety must be your first concern. Be sure to

Navigation locks raise and lower boats from one water level
to another, allowing boats to travel up and down stream.

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New York Safe Boating - 2020

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