2015 New York Safe Boating - 69

Diving

loose from the bottom, or dump one of the occupants in
the water. Remember, you are responsible for any damage
caused by your wake when passing other boats, docks or
swimmers.

All boat operators should be aware of the two flags which
indicate the presence of
divers in the water.

Duck	hunting	from	a	boat	is	popular	in	the	autumn.		Hunters	
also use boats to set decoys or to travel to remote hunting
areas. New York State Environmental Conservation Law
allows a boater to carry a legally registered and New York
State licensed handgun on a boat. The law also permits
boaters to carry long guns, rifles or shotguns, but these
must not be loaded when the boat is underway. The hunter
may load or discharge the firearm only when the boat is
not underway (moored or anchored).

Always be on the look-out
for the "diver down" flag,
which is red with a white
diagonal stripe, as shown
to the near right. It will
be attached to a float or a
boat. This flag indicates that
there is a diver in the vicinity,
and that boats should keep
at least 100 feet away. Be
aware that while the diver
should be within 100 feet of
the flag, divers can drift with
the current and they may be
further away. Pass these flags as widely as possible, and be
on the lookout for air bubbles indicating the divers' position.

Cold	water	is	a	serious	hazard	for	sportsmen.		Hypothermia	
and death can result if a boat capsizes and its occupants are
immersed in the cold water. The risk is greatest in spring and
fall when there are fewer boaters and marine patrols on the
water, increasing the response time. Because the hunting
and fishing seasons tend to open when the weather is colder,
the	risk	of	exposure	is	especially	high	for	sportsmen.
If you are fishing or hunting from your boat, stay out of the
main boating channels so that you do not have to move to
avoid other boating traffic. Be constantly aware of wakes
from other boats as you move about your boat. Most
importantly, remember that cold water kills. File a float plan,
don't overload your boat, and wear your PFD! You must
wear your PFD between November 1st and May 1st on boats
less than 21 feet in length.

You may also see the blue and white "alpha flag," which is
required to be flown by the operator of a dive boat when
conducting dive operations. Boats flying this flag have
restricted maneuverability.
Other boats must keep at least 100 feet away from either
flag unless the boat is actively servicing divers on the surface
or below. It is the diver's responsibility to stay within the 100
foot buffer zone of the divers flag. Boaters must give a wide
berth to boats displaying the alpha flag. If it is necessary that
you must come within the safety area, approach the flag or
boat with caution and communicate with anyone you see.

Swimming

In the heat of summer nothing cools and refreshes like a
dip in the water. If you plan on swimming from your boat
in the middle of a lake or other waterway, remember these
important safety considerations:

Fishing and Hunting

	Always securely anchor or moor your boat before

Fishermen and hunters generally consider themselves
sportsmen	rather	than	boaters.	However,	if	they	are	using	
a boat to hunt or fish, all boating laws apply. For many
people, the only reason they own a boat is to get to the
out of the way fishing spots. There are boats designed and
built specifically for the sportsman, from bass boats to boats
specially equipped for trolling.

swimming. A boat adrift may float away from the
swimmer.

	Consider wearing a PFD, especially if you are

swimming	in	cold	water	and/or	swimming	in	a	
strong current.

	Stay near your boat since other boats may not see

Be courteous if you see someone fishing from their boat by
staying well clear of them. They may have lines or nets in the
water that you might damage if you come too close. Your
wake may also swamp or flip their boat, pull their anchor

you in the water.

	Always swim with a buddy.
	Before anyone enters the water from your boat,

shut off the boat engine to eliminate the chance of
a	propeller	injury	to	swimmers	entering	and	exiting	
the water at the stern of the boat.

	When picking up swimmers, remember to shut your
engine OFF and make sure it is out of gear.

	While swimming at a dock or at anchor, shut off

the boat engine and gasoline powered generators
with	transom	exhaust	outlets.	This	will	eliminate	the	
chance	of	carbon	monoxide	(CO)	poisoning	which	
can result in death. CO related deaths are often
mistaken as drownings.

69



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