Safety and Outdoor Ethics

Boating is a popular activity, but it can also be a dangerous one.

Please make your visit a safe one!

Common sense and adherence to boating and water safety laws and rules will reduce accidents.

Before You Boat

• Learn to swim and learn basic water rescue techniques.
• Learn all navigation rules AND Kentucky boating laws and LIVE by them.
• Keep your boat in proper working order, and make sure it meets all equipment guidelines established by the Kentucky boating laws.

While You Boat

• Don’t operate a boat while drinking alcohol or using drugs.
• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device.
• Don’t water ski or jet ski in a manner that endangers other lake users. Boaters, watch for scuba divers and skiers.
• Confine jet skiing and water skiing to daylight hours.
• Children should not operate any personal water craft.
• Do not allow anyone to ride on decks or gunwales.
• Avoid excessive speed, especially in congested areas.
• Be aware of underwater hazards such as submerged logs, stumps, and rocks.
• Avoid dams. Water flowing over dams can create a current capable of drawing boats into the face of the dam and holding them under water. Avoid dam spillways during high water.

Swimming and Diving

• Watch your children. Beaches are unguarded, and there may be sharp dropoffs near shore.
• Dive only in familiar areas, and check water depth before diving.

Basic principles of boating after dark

If you choose to operate a boat at night, remember these tips:

• Slow down.
• Know the boating and navigation laws.
• Know the body of water. Lower water levels can change even a familiar lake, exposing hazards normally under water.
• Keep your senses sharp – fatigue, alcohol and drugs can be deadly for boat operators.
• Watch out for other boaters.
• Watch for floating debris, underwater hazards, rocks and shallow areas.

Carry the following

• Personal flotation device
• Paddle
• Towline
• Emergency radio
• Bailing device
• Whistle or horn
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Flares

Even if you're just enjoying the river from the bank, fishing or wading, rivers can be dangerous. Be within arm's reach of children if they are playing on the bank or wading, because there are dropoffs and swift currents.

Canoeing and Kayaking

River levels can change drastically depending on rainfall, making passage and maneuverability more difficult.

As with all water activities, always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device.

TIE ALL YOUR EQUIPMENT TO THE CANOE – put your equipment into a waterproof bag to keep it dry and tie it to one of the center beams in the canoe so that you don’t lose everything if your canoe tips over.

DO NOT LITTER – carry out everything you bring in – the animals don’t like a messy home.

Before You Start

• Be honest with yourself when evaluating your skills (and skills of others in your party). You will have a safer and more enjoyable trip if you choose sections of the river that match your ability.
• Check on current water levels before embarking on your trip. The difficulty level of certain sections of river can change dramatically with changes in water level. Gentle stretches can become dangerous with high water levels. At extremely low levels, you may find yourself paddling through puddles, dragging the canoe over rocks, or portaging.
• Know your physical ability, swimming skills and paddling skills. If you are uncertain about how much you can do, start with a short trip.
• Take time to find out which lands along the river belong to private landowners. The Forest Service has USGS quadrangle maps that have national forest boundaries marked on them.

On the River

• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times. Even gentle stretches of water can have wicked undercurrents. Even good swimmers need to wear one.
• Never boat alone. A preferred minimum is three boats.
• Scout rapids and make rescue plans if needed. Be aware that on some sections of these rivers, land access may be difficult and help is far away.
• Learn basic water rescue techniques and first aid. Learn to recognize the symptoms and treatment for hypothermia.
• Know your limits; do not attempt a section of river beyond your skill level.
• Pay attention to weather and water conditions. Wear wool clothing or a wet suit and dress for the water temperature. If the water temperature and air temperature combined total 100 degrees or less, wear protective clothing.
• If you capsize, hold on to your craft and get immediately to the upstream side. Float on your back, feet together and pointed downstream. If you go over a ledge or drop, tuck into a ball. Release your craft only if it improves your safety. Stay upstream away from the boat.
• Carry the proper equipment including dry clothing and a first-aid kit. Store all extra gear in a secure watertight container.

Canoe Safety Tips

Before you go canoeing this summer, there are some important things you should know to keep yourself safe. Canoeing is a lot of fun, but if you don’t know the dangers, you could get into trouble on the water. Here are some tips for keeping dry and steering clear of danger:

• TO GET INTO YOUR CANOE:
  • HAVE SOMEONE HOLD THE CANOE STEADY – you don’t want to tip the canoe before you even get out on the water!
  • CROUCH LOW - keep your knees bent and GRAB THE SIDES OF THE CANOE FOR BALANCE as you walk to your seat
  • ALWAYS WALK ALONG THE CENTER – keeping your feet on the centerline will help keep the canoe from rocking.
• STAY LOW – do not stand up or walk in your canoe when you are away from shore.
• ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET - you never know when you might fall out or tip over unexpectedly.
• AVOID SUDDEN OR JERKY MOVEMENTS – rocking from side to side could cause the canoe to tip over.
• BE AWARE OF THE CURRENTS IN THE WATER – you don’t want to end up floating farther downstream than you planned. If the current starts to pull you along faster or you see lots of rocks in the water ahead of you paddle away from them or paddle towards the shore.
• ALWAYS SIT ON THE SEATS OR IN THE CENTER OF THE CANOE – sitting on the side of a canoe will cause it to tip over.
• STAY AWAY FROM LOW HANGING TREES AND BRANCHES NEAR THE SHORE.
• DO NOT CANOE IN BAD WEATHER.
• AVOID LETTING BIG WAVES HIT THE SIDE OF YOUR CANOE – always try to keep your canoe at a right angle to the waves otherwise the wave might push your canoe over.

If Your Canoe Tips Over

• DON’T PANIC
• STAY WITH YOUR CANOE
• PADDLE OR PUSH YOUR CANOE TO SHORE – with the help of the other person in your canoe, you can get out in shallow water and flip the canoe to dump out the water and climb in. Your canoe will float even if its full of water until you can get to shore to empty it.
• ALWAYS BRING ALONG EXTRA CLOTHING IN A WATERPROOF CONTAINER- you want to be prepared in case your canoe tips or the weather changes.

The term "personal watercraft" is used to define a category of vessels that have grown in popularity as well as numbers. Personal watercraft are small (usually 8 feet or less) one or two person motorized craft. These vessels are highly maneuverable and capable of speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour. They are also called jet skis, wet bikes, etc.

Because of their small size and low profile, operators of other boats may not see them as readily. Operators of personal watercraft should exercise "defensive driving." These craft are highly responsive and capable of quick turns. In fact, this is what they are designed for and is part of the fun. However, this kind of operation is considered reckless if done in congested areas of boat traffic.
In addition to being governed by some of the laws that apply to other boats, the following laws apply to personal watercraft:

• Children under 12 are prohibited from operating personal watercraft or motorboats over 10 horsepower.
• Boaters ages 12-17 will be required to pass a safe-boating test to operate watercraft, or have an adult on board at all times.
• The operator must use an engine kill switch when the craft is underway.
• Operators and passengers must wear personal flotation devices (life jackets).
• No personal watercraft are to be operated from sunset to sunrise.
• Where skiing is prohibited, personal watercraft operators will not jump the wake of another boat, perform abrupt turns, or engage in similar acrobatic maneuvers.
• In areas where skiing is allowed, personal watercraft operators will not jump the wake of another boat by getting unreasonably close to the other boat or when visibility around the other boat is restricted.
• Personal watercraft operators will not pass close enough to other boats to cast spray on another vessel or engage in any other reckless practice which could endanger life, safety, or property. 

• Plan before you visit. Be sure to check the immediate and extended forecast.
• Ask yourself if you are prepared should your visit end up being prolonged due to unanticipated conditions.
• Tell someone where you are going. Be specific and give an estimated time of arrival back. Consider carrying a Personal Locator Beacon or a Satellite Messenger device just in case the unexpected happens. Some Forest areas may have a registration box available to document your visit…be sure to sign in with your trip details if available.
• Dress for the forecast but plan for the unexpected. Keep extra warm, dry clothes in your vehicle. If you plan to hike, consider adding appropriate warm, weatherproof clothing to your pack.

• Cell phone coverage may be limited or non-existent. Coverage may be improved on hill tops with minimal vegetative cover but, should not be expected. Plan accordingly for reliable communications. Also, consider a battery backup or portable charging system for your phone if you plan to use it.
• Carry extra food, water, and snacks. Winter weather could impact your time in the Forest…plan ahead to remain comfortable in the event your trip takes longer than expected.
• If snow is on or is anticipated, consider wearing sunglasses. Even on a cloudy day snow can create quite a glare.
• If you are traveling with a pet(s) or pack animal(s). Plan for their comfort and protection.
• If you are dependent on medication, make sure you have extra on hand and that it is stowed appropriately against potentially damaging weather conditions.

Transportation routes maintained by the Forest are not treated or cleared during inclement weather. Routes may become impassable especially during ice storm events.

Vehicle Travel

Snow and ice events are capable of knocking limbs from trees and even toppling trees. Watch for overhead hazards during snow and ice load events. Reconsider travel if there is a possibility transportation routes could be become blocked due to fallen trees and limbs.

If you become stranded in your vehicle:

• attempt to move it to a location out of the path of travel if an accident is possible;
• attempt to use a communication device to request assistance;
• shut the engine off to conserve fuel if conditions permit …only run the engine long enough to supply necessary heat;
• avoid draining the vehicle battery;
• leave the vehicle only if you are physically fit and equipped to travel on foot in the conditions and as a last resort if communications are unavailable.

If your visit will be by vehicle, consider adding the following items to your inventory for the trip: 

• a full tank of gas; a map of the area;
• an ice scraper;
• extra clothing,
• outerwear including gloves, warm hats, and; footwear;
• blankets;
• chargers for portable devices;
• hand tools that might aid in clearing blocked transportation routes in an emergency;
• climate stable rations beyond what you anticipate using as part of your planned trip;
• instant hand warmer packs;
• communication devices not dependent on battery power or cell signal; and
• if space and storage permit, extra fuel.

Foot Travel

Footwear selection is always critical while visiting the Forest. During the winter months make sure the footwear you chose is based on the activity you plan to engage in. Consider footwear with traction; with at least some level of waterproofing; and perhaps insulation. Always wear moisture wicking socks that will help to keep your feet dry and warm.

If your visit will be on foot, consider adding the following items to your travel pack:

• a map of the area;
• extra clothing including socks, gloves, and outerwear stowed in a waterproof container;
• the means to build an emergency use warming fire;
• a waterproof covering;
• climate stable rations beyond what you anticipate using as part of your planned trip;
• instant hand warmer packs;
• communication devices not dependent on battery power or cell signal;
• a flashlight;
• a first aid kit; and
• a space blanket.

Gravel roads present their own special road safety challenge. The issue is traction.

Driving on loose gravel is harder than driving on pavement because your tires don't have the traction needed to give you stable control. Throw speed into the mix, and you have a formula for trouble.

That's why it's so important to approach gravel roads with caution each and every time you encounter one. It may not be the same road you traveled this morning.

• Leaving a paved surface for a grave l one. The first thing to remember is to slow down. Your vehicle is going to handle differently when it moves from one surface to another. The gravel may be loose, or it may be hard-packed; you want to know how your car handles before you speed up.
• Avoid sudden changes in direction, such as a swerve to avoid an object or animal on the road.

They can be particularly dangerous, especially on loose gravel or at excessive speed.

• Stopping or speeding up too quickly. Always drive at a speed that allows you to stop easily for any hazard. Accelerate and brake slowly, and reduce your speed when approaching blind intersections, bushes and hills. Be considerate, too. As you approach other vehicles, slow down and move over to the right so you can pass each other safely and avoid stone chips.
• Stay back and keep a good fo ll owing distance. Even if the visibility is good and the road is hard-packed, stay at least 6 seconds behind other vehicles. Increase this distance when conditions are less than perfect. This reduces the danger from a cloud of dust obscuring vision or flying rocks damaging headlights and windshields.
• Stay on the tracks. If you're the only one on the road, drive in the tire tracks that exist. Even if the tracks are in the middle of the road, it's safer to drive in the tracks than to be too close to a deep ditch or a soft shoulder. Of course, always scan ahead for oncoming traffic, and move to the right if a vehicle is approaching.
• Rollovers. It's easy for a distracted driver to allow the tires on one side of the car to wander off the road while traveling at higher speeds. Don't turn the steering wheel and jam on the brakes. This can cause the car to start into a sideways skid, where it may tip and roll over several times before stopping. If the tires on one side of the vehicle go off the pavement, don't immediately turn the wheel to try to get back on the pavement. Let your foot off the gas and steer the car so it follows the edge of the pavement. Slowly turn the steering wheel to gradually guide the tire back to the road.

Be ready for skids. A vehicle can become difficult to handle in heavy gravel. If the vehicle starts to skid, remove the cause of the skid by releasing your accelerator or brakes. As you release them, look where you want to go, steer the vehicle in this direction. Remember, drive for the road conditions not the speed limit. 

As peaceful as the forest may seem, a few visitors may experience auto break-ins. To prevent break-ins:

Lock your car. As simple as this seems, many people still forget.

Don’t leave your travel plans on the windshield of your car. Thieves use this "window of opportunity" to break in, since they know you may not be nearby. Leave your plans with the district office or someone at home, like a neighbor, relative or friend. Include what trails you plan to hike and an estimate of your return time.

Don’t leave valuables inside your car. If you must leave valuables, hide them from view or lock them in the trunk. Empty the glove compartment and leave it open to show that nothing is inside.

Don’t park your car with the trunk backed toward the woods. This provides cover for someone trying to break into your trunk. If your car has been vandalized, contact local law enforcement officials.