b'PA D D L I N G A W A R E N E S Speriod of time you plan to be on the water. Changes in weather, tidesNote: Stand-up paddleboards are considered vessels (boats) by and water flows can easily turn a calm waterbody that is within yourthe U.S. Coast Guard unless they are being used in a surf zone or paddling abilities into a deadly environment.Our website containsdesignated swim area. Anyone who is using a stand-up paddleboard is links to a number of good Connecticut weather forecasts and resourc- required to abide by all boating laws.es, www.ct.gov/deep/boatingweather. Attach a whistle to your life jacket: The sound of a whistle will Plan ahead: Know the waters that you are paddling and plan yourtravel farther than your voice and will better attract attention. Connecticut day accordingly. Tell someone where you are going, what boat youand federal laws require a sound producing device onboard all vessels.are taking and when you plan on returning; this is called filing a floatBring a communication device: Carry a phone in a water-plan. The information in a float plan will help first responders findproof bag and/or a waterproof marine VHF radio. In coastal/tidal and rescue you faster should an accident occur. waters a VHF radio is the best way to call for help. By using its Avoid Paddling Alone: Paddle with a friend or group. You willmodern VHF radio technology, the US Coast Guard can accurately have someone that can help you get back in your boat or call for helppinpoint the location of a VHF radio transmission and send rescuers if needed. to that location faster than using traditional searching techniques. Wear appropriate clothing: The correct clothing choices canUse VHF channel 16 to call the USCG. It is the international distress, add significantly to your paddling comfort, extend your boating seasonsafety and hailing channel.and might save your life. Chose the most appropriate clothing. Dress inKnow the local regulations and navigation rules: Water-layers that will retain body heat when wet (fleece) and outer layers thatways are filled with all types of vessels engaged in many different repels water. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and does not retain heat.activities. Knowing and understanding the basic rules of the road Wear a hat! If you are a paddling in the cold water seasons considerwill help make everyones day on the water much safer and enjoy-investing in a wet or drysuit, you will be amazed at the difference inable. Please DO NOT paddle in the middle of main channels, high comfort they make. traffic areas or interfere with the passage of other boat traffic. WEAR A LIFE JACKET! The majority of paddlers that have diedKeep a lookout: Small paddlecraft can be difficult to see. in Connecticut were NOT wearing a life jacket. Sadly, if they had been,Always keep an eye out for other boats that are coming close to the outcome of these accidents could have been much different. Con- you. If possible, wear brightly colored clothes or use other means necticut law requires there be a properly fitting life jacket for everyoneto make you and your boat more visible on the water. Beware, that onboard a manually propelled vessel at all times. It also requires thatlarge boats DO NOT stop very quickly. Do your best to avoid putting all children less than thirteen years of age at any time during the year,yourself in a dangerous situation and remember that larger boats and all adults between Oct 1 and May 31, wear a properly fitting lifemay not be able to avoid a collision.jacket while onboard a manually propelled vessel. 642020 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE'