This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah State Parks officials urge boaters to be prepared when making late-season trips. Cold weather, cold water and low water make boating incidents even more dangerous.
Boating education specialist Chris Haller offers these boating tips:
* Always wear a lifejacket.
* Keep a sharp lookout for other vessels and floating debris.
* Sound a horn or whistle in foggy conditions.
* If your vessel has more than one fuel tank, switch to a full fuel tank.
* Head for the nearest safe shore.
* Head into waves at a 45-degree angle.
* Close all hatches and windows to reduce the chance of swamping.
* Reduce speed, but keep enough power to maintain headway and steering.
* Secure loose items.
* If the engine stops, drop the anchor from the bow.
* Take additional warm, dry clothing.
For more boating information, or to take a boating course, visit www.stateparks.utah.gov.
