Page 28 - Experience Oregon Boating Handbook

WATER SPORTS AND OTHER BOATING USES

Whitewater Boating Jet Boating
Drifting and jet boating are highly popular boating activities
on many of Oregon’s whitewater rivers. Unique dangers are Jet boats (both inboard and outboard types) are now
found in these waters, and fatal boating accidents are usually being used in many whitewater rivers. These boats handle
due to inexperience, unfamiliarity with the waterway and very differently from propeller-driven boats and require
complacency by boaters. Oregon’s rivers are cold year round and considerable experience for safe river operation. Powerboats
hypothermia and cold water immersion is always possible if you must “give-way” to non-motorized (paddle) boats.
find yourself in the water unexpectedly. Be prepared to get wet!
If you are a jet boat operator, please become familiar with
Whitewater operations in a kayak, canoe, a rubber raft or the traditional fishing courtesies; scout each river before
drift boat takes special skill and good physical conditioning. The running your boat and know the local bank/river fishing
following are important whitewater safety tips: spots. Be mindful of other boating uses on the stretch of river
1. Carry emergency equipment and have spare oars or paddles you plan on running.

on board. Furthermore, jet boats usually generate higher sound levels
2. Wear a life jacket! Law now requires all boaters to wear a life than propeller boat. This
is due in part, to the type
jacket in Class III rapids or higher (we recommend you wear of exhaust system, drive
it on all whitewater), and in areas where there are known train, etc. Operators must
hazards. keep this in mind and
3. Know the river, especially where rapids, falls or other hazards make sure their engine
such as rocks and strainers are located. Always scout rapids noise is within acceptable
from the shore beforehand. limits set by law (refer to
4. Never boat alone. page 42 on sound levels).

5. Be prepared for cold water by dressing properly and wearing Inner Tubes, Float Tubes
a life jacket. and Toys

6. Have a plan for what to do if you fall in, know how to float People using single inner tubes, beach toys and single float
(feet facing downstream) and how to get yourself safely to tubes are not required to carry life jackets according to state
shore. regulation. However, the Marine Board strongly encourages
Whitewater publications are available in most public libraries. people using these types of float toys to wear life jackets,
because inner tubes, float tubes and other air-filled devices
Use these books and guides when planning to boat these
beautiful, but often dangerous waterways.

River Obstructions: tend to be thin and can easily puncture. Children and non-

• Low-head dams: These structures are difficult to see and can swimmers should always wear life jackets.
trap paddlers. Consult a map of the river before your trip and Inflatable Boats (single inner tubes latched together into
know where dams are located. Always portage (carry) your rafts) must carry life jackets for each person on board and a
whistle.
craft around them.
Floating a river on float toys is dangerous. They are not
• Rapids: When approaching rapids, go ashore well upstream
and check them out before continuing (scouting). If you see designed for floating in rivers. Scout ahead, look for snags
and downed trees and know how to self-rescue.
dangerous conditions, portage around them.

• Strainers: These river obstructions allow water to flow Waterskiing
through but block vessels and could throw you overboard

and damage or trap you and your craft. To make waterskiing safer and more enjoyable for all,
Strainers may include overhanging operators must observe the following laws:
branches, logjams, or flooded islands. 1. Skiing between sunset and sunrise is prohibited.

• Learn what obstructions have been 2. There must be another person on board as a lookout.

peported at: OSMB/Pages/Safety/ 3. Boaters must carry and use a red or orange“skier down”flag

44 Navagationhazards.aspx. when the skier is in the water.