Capsizing and falling overboard into cold water are major hazards for hunters. During the majority of the hunting seasons, Maryland waters are cold enough to pose a serious hypothermia threat. Nationwide, 70 percent of all boating fatalities are the result of drowning. Almost 90 percent of the victims were not wearing Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs).

As a responsible hunter, you need to be aware of the dangers and follow a few simple rules to make your hunt on the water a safer and more enjoyable experience.

These rules are:

• Leave a float plan with someone at home, describing where you are going, who you are with and when you expect to return.

• Transport firearms to the boat unloaded, cased, muzzle first, with the action open.

• Always wear an approved and properly fitted Personal Flotation Device when in a boat.

• Carry a throwable flotation device in case someone falls overboard.

• Stow visual distress signals on board.

• Know the weather forecast for the area.  High winds can be dangerous. Cancel trip if water conditions aren’t safe.  Keep an AM radio handy for the latest updates.

• Never overload your boat.  Load gear low in the boat and distribute the weight evenly.

• Always stay seated when shooting from an open boat.

• Never anchor from the stern.

• At the first sign of a storm, head for shore.

• If an accident occurs, STAY WITH THE BOAT and use distress signals.

• If wearing chest waders, use a belt to keep them from filling up with water.

• Unless the clothing is creating a hazard, do not remove extra clothing. It can help prevent hypothermia.

• To retain body heat, pull your knees to your chest and keep your elbows to your sides.

When overboard without a PFD:

• Trapping air in chest waders by bending your knees and raising your feet then lying back in the water can help you stay afloat.

• A oar under the knees and another behind the back and shoulders can be used to keep you floating.

• Trapping air in hip boots by bending your knees and lying on your back can help you remain afloat.

• Decoys, stuffed inside your jacket will provide buoyancy.

All accidents cannot be prevented, but by following these few simple rules,
you can greatly improve your chances of survival should an accident occur.

PFD Requirements for Children
All children under the age of 7 must WEAR a United States Coast Guard approved life jacket (Type I, II, III or V) while underway on a recreational vessel under 21 feet in length on Maryland waters.

Recreational vessels include: motorboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and any other device capable of being used for transportation on the water, when the vessel is being used for other than commercial purposes.

The life jacket must be the proper size for the child and must be in serviceable condition. Also, a child under the age of 4 or a person weighing less than 50 pounds must wear a life jacket that features additional safety precautions, as appropriate for an infant, toddler, or young child, so as to:

• Hold the child securely within the life jacket, including a strap that is secured between the child's legs to fasten together the front and back of the life jacket;

• Maintain the buoyancy of the child, including an inflatable headrest or high collar; and 

• Ensure the ready accessibility of the child from the water, including a web handle.

This does not apply to a vessel that is moored or anchored or a child who is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

Potomac River Regulations and Safety

• A person aboard a vessel, raft or tube must WEAR a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device at all times while underway on the upper Potomac River (up-river from the Little Falls Dam) and its tributaries during the period beginning at 12:01 a.m. each November 15 and ending at 12 midnight each succeeding May 15.

• From May 15 through November 15 all persons aboard a vessel are required to have a Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device on board and readily available.

• In addition to the above PFD requirement, a Type IV throwable device is required on all vessels 16 feet and longer.

• Remember - the river currents are strong and unpredictable, especially after heavy rains.

• Wading should not be attempted when the river levels are higher than normal.

Also see When Hunting from a Boat