You should be careful while boating in shallow waters. Otherwise, you might hit the sandbar. Here are some tips for boating in shallow waters.
- Use depth finder to constantly monitor the depth.
- Don’t overload the boat.
- Slow down.
- Use hydraulic jack plates for better performance (if you can).
- Check the surroundings for any color changes.
- Wear an appropriate life jacket
- Keep all the safety equipment
- Check the weather before leaving
- Tell your float plan to friends or neighbors
- Follow the boating rules
- Don’t drink and drive
- Educate the crew about the safety equipment (if any)
- Tie the kill switch to your hand
These are some of the basic tips for boating in shallow waters. As I said earlier. You should be careful while boating in shallow water.
1. Use a depth finder to monitor the depth constantly
A depth finder is one of the essential tools, and it is good to use while boating in shallow water. These devices help us a lot while boating in shallow water. Now, we will see why do we need to use depth finder while boating in shallow waters.
A depth finder is essential if you are boating in shallow waters because, in shallow waters, you need to know the depth constantly to avoid any accidents or hitting the sandbar. By having the depth finder, you can find the depth, and then you can slow down or move away from that low depth area.
A depth finder measures the depth of the water by sending a sonic pulse and based on the time it takes to receive the echo when the sonic pulse toches the ground. It calculates the depth based on the time of the sonic pulse.
This device is very useful if you are boating in shallow water or muddy water or at night, where you can’t see the depth with your eyes. You can prevent the hull and outboard motor damage if you have one of these on your boat.
There are a variety of devices available out there and pick a good one based on your needs. Nowadays, with the help of a fish finder, we can find the depth.
2. Don’t overload the boat
Overloading is another thing that causes big issues while boating, especially in shallow water. Now, we will see why we should not overload the boat if you are boating in shallow waters.
When you are boating in shallow waters, don’t overload the boat because overloading the boat increases the draft (distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull or keel). If the draft increases, then there is a high chance of hitting the sandbar, causing any accidents.
Generally, overloading the boat causes many problems. Many accidents can happen due to that. If you are boating in shallow water, then you will maximize the risk if you overload the boat. If the draft increases, then you are indirectly decreasing the depth.
Not only in shallow water, don’t overload the boat in normal water (where the depth of the water is more) as well. Each year around 100 accidents and around 50 deaths are happening due to overloading the boat.
Overloading the boat is one of the causes of boating accidents. If the boat is overloaded, then the boat might tilt or tip over, and everyone may fall in the water. Sometimes, people might trap under the boat. Each year around 100 accidents and around 50 deaths are happening due to overloading the boat.
In 2018, 122 accidents, 54 deaths, and 64 injuries happened due to overloading the boat (source). If you don’t have the boats maximum weight capacity sticker on the boat, then follow the rule of thumb for finding how many members can sit in a boat.
You can find that by using this formula. Length of the boat times width of the boat divided by 15. Then you will get how many members can sit in the boat. In this case, the weight of each person is the average weight(around 150 lbs).
3. Slow down
This is the best thing to do if you don’t know what is happening around you while boating in shallow waters.
Slow down the boat speed if you are boating in shallow waters because, in shallow water areas, the depth in one area can be low and in another area can be high. If you drive the boat fastly and if you entered the low depth area, then you might hit a sandbar or may lead to any big accidents.
The depth in shallow areas will not be the same everywhere. In one area it can be low, and another area can be high. It will be hard to control the boat quickly if you are driving the boat fastly and enters any low depth area. In 2018, 276 accidents, 25 deaths, and 231 injuries happened due to driving the boat fastly (source).
According to USCG, 417 accidents happened in a year due to over speed. In those 147 are open motorboats, and 179 are personal watercraft (sources). You need to be careful while boating in shallow water and constantly check the surroundings as well.
4. Use hydraulic jack plates for better performance
I know installing a hydraulic jack plate on the boat is expensive. If you can afford these hydraulic jack plates, then they will help you a lot. Other than the price, hydraulic jack plates are essential if you are boating in shallow waters.
If you are boating shallow waters, then hydraulic jack plates play a crucial role. If you are boating in shallow water, they will lift the outboard motor up to prevent any damage to the outboard motor and propeller as well. You will get the optimum performance by using these on your boat.
These hydraulic jack plates can be mounted on the transom end of the boat, and it will fit on any type of boat. This means, regardless of what type of boat you are using, you can install these hydraulic jack plates on your boat.
By using these hydraulic jack plates, you can get the hull shot (the ability to get the boat up on plane) very quickly. Not only that, but you can also squeeze the maximum performance out of an outboard motor by using these hydraulic jack plates correctly.
These are the two main advantages of hydraulic jack plates. Getting the hull shot quickly and good performance.
First, keep the hydraulic jack plate on the high position and trim the outboard down before starting the ride, then the boat will come to the plane quickly. Then you will get a hull shot quickly. After that, trim the outboard up and lower your jack plate to get into the plane properly.
Check this video on the hydraulic jack plates to get a visual understanding of the topic.
5. Check the surroundings for any color changes
This is the most essential thing you need to do while boating in shallow waters.
Checking the surroundings while boating in shallow waters is the essential thing you need to do because all the time you can’t depend on the technology for finding the depth. You can see the depth of the water a bit early with the color change in the water.
If the water looks a bit light in color, then the water depth is very low. Similarly, if the water looks a bit darker in color, then the water depth is more. This is the essential thing to do regularly while boating in shallow waters.
You can see that color change early and quickly with your eyes than depth finder. So, be careful and observe the surroundings like the depth by yourself in prior rather than just depending on the depth finder.
You need to see the surroundings and then make the move accordingly. You need to see whether there are any obstacles (like sawlogs or rocks in the water, etc) in front of you or any boat is coming closer to you or not and like that.
Those five (1. Use depth finder to constantly monitor the depth, 2. Don’t overload the boat, 3. Slow down, 4. Use hydraulic jack plates for better performance (if you can), and 5. Check the surroundings for any color changes) are the major tips for boating in shallow water.
From now on, we will see safety tips for boating, which are applicable for all types of water (lakes, rivers, seas, etc), and need to be followed by every boater while boating.
6. Wear an appropriate life jacket
Everyone needs to wear a life jacket regardless of the type of water (lakes, ponds, rivers, seas).
A life jacket is an essential thing, and everyone on the boat needs to wear it. Each year around 300 people are dying from drowning in boating-related incidents. About one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. Life jacket plays an essential role while boating.
Problems of not wearing a proper size life jacket
Simply wearing a life jacket isn’t enough that should fit you as well. The life jacket shouldn’t be too big or small, it should fit properly. If you wear a big sized life jacket and suppose if you fell in the water, then due to the force at which you may fell in the water, a life jacket may come out. So, wear an appropriate life jack of your size.
Choosing a life jacket
While buying a life jacket make sure it has a small whistle on it. If anyone falls overboard, and no one knows that someone has fallen overboard, then you can use the whistle to signal others. So, they will come to know your exact location quickly. Nowadays some of them are having a small light on it as well, which is helpful while boating at night.
Most of the kids will be in different body shapes, and it is hard to tell the correct life jacket based on the chest size. The weight of the kid is important because you need to pick a life jacket based on the weight, then you can tell whether the life jacket is capable of lifting the body or not.
For adults, life jackets size is based on chest size. For kids, it is better to choose based on the weights. In the below table, I mentioned which type of life jacket to wear based on age (years and weight may vary a little bit).
| Age (Years) | Weight (in lbs.) | Type of Life jacket | Face up option? |
| Infants (0 – 3 years) | 8 – 30 lbs. | Type 2 | Yes |
| Preschooler 3 – 6 years | 30 – 50 lbs. | Type 2 or Type 3 | Yes |
| Child 6 – 12 | 50 – 90 lbs. | Type 3 | Yes |
| 12 years + | 90 lbs + | Type 3 | Yes |
Most children and youths should use a Type III USCG-approved model life jacket. Whereas, infants should use a Type II USCG-approved model life jacket.
- Type 1 is for adults, and it is used for offshore purposes.
- Type 2 is for infants, and it is used in inland day cruising, fishing, and sailing.
- Type 3 is for a child, and it is used in various sports activities and the most comfortable for continuous wear and freedom of movement
7. Keep all the safety equipment
Every boat needs to have all types of safety equipment in the boat regardless of where you are boating (lakes, ponds, rivers, seas).
Without the safety equipment, you can’t travel peacefully in the water. Safety equipment is a must for a boat, one day it might save your life. Here are some of the essential safety equipment for a boat. You shouldn’t carry the same safety equipment every time it should vary from places to places.
If you boating in closed waters (lakes or ponds), then you might need the safety equipment listed below.
- Life jacket for each person
- life ring for each person
- Flotation devices
- Whistle or horns
- VHF radio optional(nice to have a small radio)
- Torchlight
- Binoculars
- Flares
- Bucket
- Ladder
- Paddles or oars
- Documentation
- Ropes
- Depth finder(nice to have)
- First aid kit(don’t forget to check the expiry date)
- Fire extinguisher
- Tool kit
- Extra gas(nice to have)
- Duct tape
- Knife
- Bilge pump
- Anchor
For boating in closed waters (lakes and ponds), those things are sufficient. Mostly, you don’t need a VHF radio in closed waters. If you are boating in a big lake or less crowded areas, then you might need it.
If you are not boating in closed waters (seas or oceans) and moves far away from the seashore, then you might need all the safety equipment listed below.
- Life jacket for each person
- life ring for each person
- Flotation devices
- Whistle or horns
- VHF radio, EPIRB
- Satellite phone or messenger is optional (but nice to have as a backup)
- Chartplotter is like GPS for a boat (for navigating)
- Automatic identification system (AIS)
- GPS optional (all the above devices have it already)
- Thermal imaging camera (if you are boating at night)
- Torchlight
- Flares
- Binoculars
- Bucket
- Ladder
- Paddles or oars
- Documentation
- Ropes
- Lights
- Depth finder
- First aid kit (don’t forget to check the expiry date)
- Fire extinguisher
- Tool kit
- Duct tape
- Extra gas (nice to have)
- Knife
- Bilge pump
- Anchor
- Maps (optional)
For moving far away from the seashore, those things are sufficient. If you are thinking to stay in the boat at night, then you might need to know the night navigational rules.
Check my article on Safety equipment for a boat: 31 things you need (don’t worry, it will open in new tab). In that article, I mentioned about all the equipment every boater needs to have it on their boat.
8. Check the weather before leaving
This is the first thing you need to do while you are thinking to go for boating. You need to check the weather before going boating. Follow some apps or websites like the windy app or AccuWeather website or some other websites for the broadcasting news.
Your whole ride depends on this step. Sometimes you might be boating in a lake or sea, and suddenly the weather might change. Weather can change very quickly, so you need to prepared for everything. You should have a plan for coming back to the shore quickly if the weather changes.
Overall, you need to check the weather before starting the ride, and you need to have a plan for coming back safely to the shore if the weather changes while you are boating in the lake or sea.
Check my article on Safety tips for boating in rough waters (don’t worry, it will open in new tab). In that article, I mentioned all the tips you need to follow while boating in choppy waters like seas or oceans.
9. Tell your float plan to friends or neighbors
Sometimes, this will help you a lot. Don’t forget to give your full float plan(exactly where you are going, how long it will take to come back home, and how many people are going) to one of your friends or neighbors. Just in case if you didn’t reach your home in time, they will help you.
If you didn’t show up early, your family members or friends will inform to coast guards about your float plan and everything. Then the coast guards will make the move quickly and they will find you quickly.
While boating, if you change the plan or if you modified the plan, don’t forget to inform your family members or friends. If you think that you might show up late, even then inform your family members or neighbors. It is a good practice to have a float plan and informing others.
10. Follow the boating rules
Boating rules are essential and need to be followed by every person who is driving the boat. Knowing the boating rules is essential if you are driving the boat. Without knowing them, you might cause problems for you and other boaters as well.
Some of the basic rules are listed below, check the USCG website for a complete guide.
Suppose, if someone comes in the opposite direction, then you need to turn a little bit towards the right side, they also will do the same. If you don’t know the rules, then if you turn towards the left side, you might hit the boat, which is coming in the opposite direction.
The basic rules for a boat are (Now assume that you are driving the boat, and you see the boat approaching, then do accordingly, the boats are moving in X-axis direction, and you are moving in Y-direction assume like that).
- If the boat is moving towards the left side. Then you should give them the way, let them cross first and then you make a move.
- If the boat is moving towards the right side. Then you should give them the way, let them cross first and then you make a move.
- If you see the boat coming in the opposite direction, then you need to move a little bit towards the right side and then move on.
These are some of the basic boating rules, you need to know while boating. So, don’t forget to check the USCG website for more boating rules. The better way is to take a small boating course, many of them are free.
11. Don’t drink and drive
Boating under the influence is causing the majority of deaths in America. According to the united states coast Guard, 287 accidents happened due to driving under influence. So, boating under the influence causes many problems.
Boating under the influence can affect your balance, which is very crucial in the boat. When you are unstable in moving platforms (like a boat), you can easily fall overboard. Alcohol decreases the ability to react to several different signals at once. So, don’t do boating under the influence.
If you are boating under the influence and fall overboard, then it is very difficult to get back into the boat. Suppose, if you are alone in the boat, then it is very hard to get back into the boat. If you are not alone in the boat, then with the help of your friends, you might get in the boat.
With alcohol in your blood, the numbing effects of cold water occur much faster than when you are sober. Within minutes, you may not be able to call for help, swim to a float, or reach the safety of the boat.
Check this Boatus website on boating under influence click here (don’t worry, it will open in new tab).
12. Educate the passengers about the safety equipment (if any)
You need to explain to the passengers how to use the safety equipment and where they are kept in the boat. They might help you out if you are not able to take them by yourself while driving the boat.
This step is essential for every person in the boat. The boat operator should tell where all the safety equipment is kept in the boat. If they didn’t tell, ask them. Kids also need to know where all the safety equipment is kept in the boat.
Sometimes the skipper might be in a hurry or busy, and he might not be able to take the safety equipment by himself. At that time, the crew in the boat will help if they know where all the safety equipment is kept in the boat. If you fall overboard, then you can ask your crew members to through a life jacket near you.
And keep all the safety equipment in a reachable distance, and don’t keep any of them in faraway places in the boat, where you can’t take them quickly.
Not only telling them (crew) where all the safety equipment is kept in the boat, but you also need to teach how to use them too. Then only they can save others if someone falls overboard. No need to teach them about every safety equipment in the boat, teach them the basics.
Teach the crew about some basic safety equipment (like life jackets throwable flotation devices, horns, flares, fire extinguisher). Knowing these things is sufficient. Don’t forget to tell them why do we need to use these things.
So, they will get to know about the safety equipment, and they will know what all are needed and how to use them in the right situations.
13. Tie the kill switch to your hand
The essential thing you need to do while boating is to tie the kill switch to your hand or life jacket or PFD. If the engine is on, then you need to tie the kill switch. Let’s see why do we need to tie the kill switch to a life jacket or PDF.
You need to tie the kill switch to a life jacket or PDF because while operating the boat, if you fell overboard in the water, then the boat will be moving in the forward direction, and you can’t reach the boat. To prevent that, we are tying the kill switch to a life jacket or PDF.
What it does is if you move away from the steering wheel, then the key will come out and stop the engine. So, if you fell overboard, you can reach the boat and you can climb and get into the boat quickly.
This will be extremely helpful if you are alone on a boat, and if you fall off a boat. The boat will stop automatically. Else, the boat will be moving forward in the water, and sometimes you can’t reach the boat. This will be the worst situation.
If you want to know more about safety tips for boating, then check my article on Safety tips for boating: A detailed guide (don’t worry, it will open in new tab). In that article, I explained all the boating safety tips in detail.
Key takeaways
Be careful while boating in shallow water. Don’t drive the boat too fastly.
- Use depth finder to constantly monitor the depth while boating in shallow water.
- Don’t overload the boat while boating in shallow water, it might increase the draft (distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull or keel).
- If you can afford, use hydraulic jack plates to get good performance in shallow water.
- Always check the weather before starting the ride. The whole trip depends on this step.
- A life jacket is a must for every person on the boat. You need to wear a proper-sized life jacket, and it should fit as well.
- Knowing the boating rules is essential if you are driving the boat. Without knowing them, you might cause problems for you and other boaters as well.
- Without the safety equipment, you can’t travel peacefully in the water. Safety equipment is a must for a boat one day it might save your life.
- Teach all the crew members in the boat how to use the safety equipment as well.