Swimming, sailing, or motorboating. Water sports safety is an important topic. Do you know the right-of-way rules or what the flags at the bathing area mean? With our article, you can be a bit safer on and in the water.
Swimming Safety: Avoiding Hazards in the Lake
Dangers of Currents and Underwater Currents
Dangerous currents are not only found in the sea or rivers, but they can also occur in lakes. You should keep this in mind on your next bathing day and not swim too far out. Currents can vary depending on wind and weather conditions. Dangerous areas are usually marked with signs.
If you get caught in a current, don’t panic but conserve your energy. Do not swim against the current but diagonally with it to gradually reach the shore.
Precautions for Unfamiliar Waters
Have you discovered a new bathing spot but are not sure if you can swim there without concern? Look for a pole with colored flags. These provide information about the current situation at the bathing area.
- Red-Yellow Flag: This area is monitored by lifeguards. If an additional yellow flag is hoisted, this area is unsuitable for inexperienced swimmers or children.
- Red Flag: Swimming is prohibited. This is usually the case at night or during dangerous conditions such as currents or storms.
- White-Black Flag (quartered): Water sports equipment such as jet skis or sailboats are allowed in this area. Swimming is too dangerous and therefore prohibited.
- Green Flag: This flag is not official and therefore has no significance!
Additionally, most bathing areas have a section marked with buoys and ropes where you can swim without concern.
Boating Safety: Essential Rules to Know
Boating License and Legal Requirements (Maritime Safety)
In Germany, the following rule of thumb applies: For smaller boats with less than 15 hp (combustion engine) or less than 7.5 kW (electric motor) and a length of less than 20 meters, no special license is usually required. However, there are regional exceptions where only up to 5 hp is allowed without a license. Therefore, it’s always advisable to check the regulations of your planned area.
When traveling abroad, German regulations do not apply. If you want to rent a motorized boat, always ask the rental company about the rules for the respective area and whether you are allowed to drive the boat without a license. If you are traveling with your own boat, inform yourself about the regulations of the local authorities before your trip.
Water Sports Safety: Important Behavior Rules
Regardless of whether you have a license or not, certain behavior rules apply for water sports safety, just like in road traffic:
On land and water, “right before left” applies. If you meet on open water, both should steer to the right to pass each other with enough distance. On marked waterways, such as a river, the boat further to the right has the right of way.
The rule is “large before small.” Commercial ships (longer than 20 meters) have the right of way because larger boats are less maneuverable. Pass a large ship with enough distance and consider their blind spot. If you can’t see the driver’s cabin anymore, the driver can’t see you either.
For boats under 20 meters, the rule “sail before muscle before motor” applies. Sailboats are not as maneuverable as rowboats due to wind conditions. Motorboats are the most maneuverable, so they are at the bottom of the hierarchy.
Interesting to know: For boats requiring a license, it is sufficient if one person holds the license, even if he or she is not actively steering. As long as an instructed person is on board and takes responsibility, it is allowed.
Watersport Safety: How to Recognize and Avoid Sailing Accidents
Attention sailors! Regulations also apply when sailing. In general, you can sail to your heart’s content without a license, but exceptions confirm the rule. In some waters, such as Lake Constance or in the state of Berlin, you need a permit for a certain sail size. Even if it is not required in your situation, a boat license is still recommended as it provides valuable knowledge.
The Most Common Sailing Accidents and Their Causes
The most common cause of sailing accidents, according to several studies, is the human factor. It accounts for about three-quarters of all accidents. This includes alcohol influence, lack of preparation or negligence, ignoring unsafe weather conditions, overestimating one’s abilities, and blind trust in GPS devices and autopilots.
These accidents can largely be avoided with good preparation, the right know-how, and common sense on board.
Water Sports Safety: How to Recognize Dangerous Weather Conditions
Before your sailing adventure, you should get an idea of the day’s weather using special weather apps for sailors and local weather services. Make sure your sources are reliable. During your sailing trip, you should regularly check your weather sources and observe how the weather changes throughout the day.
For larger sailing tours, special meteorological courses are recommended; for smaller adventures, you should be familiar with the following:
Clouds
Watch for warning signs of a weather change: powerful, tower-shaped clouds, so-called cumulonimbus clouds, or dark, fast-moving clouds can be a sign of an approaching storm.
Wind
If the wind is getting stronger or changes direction unexpectedly, this also indicates a bad weather front.
Air Pressure
You should always have a barometer on board; a rapid drop in pressure indicates an approaching low-pressure area, often accompanied by bad weather.
Temperature
If the temperature suddenly drops, a so-called cold front might be approaching, bringing storms with it.
Visibility
If fog slowly appears or you see approaching rain bands on the horizon, you should be on alert.
Other Ships
Observe the ships around you. If they suddenly change course or all turn around, they might be avoiding a storm.
Warning Signals
Always keep an eye out for warning signals. Does the lighthouse blink for a storm warning? Do weather systems report a thunderstorm?
Zusammenfassung
Water sports safety requires attention, preparation, and knowledge of important rules and signs. While swimming, you should keep currents in mind and pay attention to the markings at bathing spots. When boating, you now know the most important behavior rules and warning signs for bad weather. Now, nothing stands in the way of an adventure on or in the water. Cast off!
