Know About Boating Before You Go Floating

KEY TERMS
All-around white light: Navigation light that Gunwale: Upper edge of a boat’s side.
is visible in all directions around the boat from Hull: The main body of a boat.
2 miles away. Port: The left side of a boat.
Bow: The front part of a boat. Propeller: A device with two or more blades
Buoy: An object that floats on the water in that turn quickly and cause a boat to move.
a bay, river, lake or other body of water and Sidelights: Red (port side) and green
provides information to boats. (starboard side) navigation lights on a boat,
Capsize: To turn a craft upside down in visible from 1 mile away.
the water. Skipper: The person who commands a boat.
Cleat: A wooden or metal fitting on the deck Starboard: The right side of a boat.
of a boat. It has two projecting horns around
which a rope or line may be tied. Stern: The back part of a boat.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this lesson, students will be able to:
zz Name the main parts of a boat.

zz Explain some boating terms.

zz Describe some important safety equipment that should be on a boat.

zz Demonstrate putting on a life jacket.

zz Explain how to board a boat.

zz Understand how to balance a boat.

zz Explain what to do if a boat capsizes (turns over).

MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

zz Poster: Know About Boating Before You Go Floating
zz Several Type II and/or Type III life jackets (in the various sizes that would fit the students)
zz Mat or tape to create outline of boat
zz Chairs (6)
zz Watch or clock with a second hand
zz Crayons, markers and pencils
zz Fact Sheet 9: Longfellow’s Rules for Safe Boating
zz Fact Sheet 2: Longfellow’s Safety and Rescue Equipment Information

©2014 Lesson Plan 8: Know About Boating Before You Go Floating | 1

zz Student Handouts (one for each student):
cc Activity Sheet 8-1: Parts of a Boat

cc Activity Sheet 8-2: Boat Safety Equipment

cc Activity Sheet 8-3: Before You Go Boating

cc Activity Sheet 8-4: Anchors Aweigh

cc Activity Sheet 8-5: Boating Word Search

cc Activity Sheet 8-6: Buoys and Markers

Leader’s Note
Display the poster, Know About Boating Before You Go Floating, at the front of the classroom. Begin a
discussion about the poster by asking students questions such as, “Why is it important to know about
boating before you actually go boating? What could happen if people on a boat did not know anything
about boating safety?” Refer to the poster throughout the lesson. As an option, you may use a projector
to display the electronic version of the poster.

TOPIC: INTRODUCTION

Key Points
zz Boating is fun, but it can be dangerous.

zz Learning about boats and understanding the safety rules of boating will help you stay safe
while boating.
zz Today we are going to talk about safe boating.

TOPIC: TYPES OF BOATS

Key Points and Discussion

zz How many of you have ever been on a boat?

Answer: Responses will vary. Allow time for responses.

zz What kind of boat was it?

Answer: Responses will vary. Allow time for responses.

zz Can you name some types of boats?

Answer: Responses will vary but may include the following:
cc Motorboat

cc Fishing boat

cc Ski boat

cc Canoe

cc Sailboat

©2014 Lesson Plan 8: Know About Boating Before You Go Floating | 2

 cc Kayak
cc Wave runner

cc Ship

cc Raft

cc Jet Ski

cc Sailboat

zz There are many different kinds of boats.

zz Sailboats, rowboats, kayaks and canoes are examples of boats that do not have engines.
cc Canoes are light, narrow and pointed in the front and back.

cc Canoes are moved by people using paddles. The paddlers face in the direction of travel and either
sit or kneel.
zz A boat that moves, or is propelled, by a person paddling or pedaling is sometimes called “human-powered.”
zz Boats that are powered by an engine are called motorboats.
zz Boats are classified according to their length:
cc Class A is less than 16 feet.

cc Class 1 is 16 feet to less than 26 feet.

cc Class 2 is 26 feet to less than 40 feet.

cc Class 3 is 40 feet to 65 feet.

zz Different sized boats have different limits on how many people and how much weight they can hold.
zz Every boat has a label, known as a capacity plate, that states how many people the boat can hold and
the maximum weight (or load) allowed on the boat.
cc The capacity plate should be clearly visible to the passengers.

zz The person who is in charge on a boat is called a skipper.

TOPIC: PARTS OF A BOAT

Key Points
zz You should know some words for the parts or areas of a boat in case the skipper gives you an instruction.

zz When you are facing forward on a boat, the following words describe the parts of the boat:

cc Port means the left side of a boat.

cc Starboard means the right side of a boat.

cc Bow means the front part of a boat.

cc Stern means the back part of a boat.

cc Hull is the body or shell of the boat.

cc Gunwale is the upper edge of a boat’s side.

cc Cleat is a metal or wooden fitting on a boat or a dock to which a rope is tied.

cc An all-around white light is a light on a boat that is visible from “all around” the boat for 2 miles.

zz A motorboat has a propeller, which is a device that has blades that spin around and cause the boat to move.

cc The propeller is located in the back of the boat.

cc The blades on a propeller are sharp.

cc When a propeller is spinning in the water, it could cut someone very badly.

©2014 Lesson Plan 8: Know About Boating Before You Go Floating | 3

 cc Stay away from the propeller.
cc Never board or exit a motorboat when the engine is on.
cc Never swim in water near a boat when a propeller is on.

Leader’s Note: Have students complete Activity Sheet 8-1: Parts of a Boat.

TOPIC: BOATING SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Key Points
zz Federal and state laws require boats to have certain equipment on board.

cc Boaters should know the requirements in their state for the type of boat they operate.

zz What kind of safety equipment do you think should be on a boat?

Answer: Responses should include the following. Guide the discussion to help students get to the
correct responses.
cc Life jacket for each person

cc Whistle, horn or bell

cc Fire extinguisher

cc Visual distress signals (flares, flags, lights)

cc Running lights (lights on the side of the boat)

cc Anchor

cc Oars or paddle

cc Throwable rescue device (for any boat 16 feet or longer)

cc First aid kit

cc Flashlight

cc Compass

cc Rope

cc Radio

cc Bailing device (a bucket that is used to get water out of the boat)

cc Tool kit and spare parts

cc Nautical map

cc Blanket

zz Whether a boat has an engine or not, it should have basic safety equipment.
zz Here is some of the equipment a canoe should have, according to the American Canoe Association:
cc Compass

cc Map

cc Whistle or sound signaling device

cc Throw bags or other rescue gear

cc River knife

cc Bailing device (bailer)

cc Extra paddle

cc Self-rescue devices (rope)

©2014 Lesson Plan 8: Know About Boating Before You Go Floating | 4

 cc Light for low light conditions or for signaling
cc First aid kit
cc Drinking water and snacks
cc Sunscreen
cc Dry bag with extra clothing

Leader’s Note: Have students complete Activity Sheet 8-2: Boat Safety Equipment.

TOPIC: BEFORE SHOVING OFF

Key Points
zz To make sure a boating trip is as safe as possible, the skipper of the boat should:

cc Inspect the boat, motor, safety equipment and personal flotation devices (PFDs) to be sure all are
in good condition.
cc Check local weather reports and be aware of storm warnings.

cc Develop a float plan and give it to a responsible person. The float plan should contain details
about where the boat is going and how long it will be out. This is important because if the boat is
delayed, becomes lost or encounters problems, someone can come to help.
zz Giving a float plan to a responsible person or friend is just as important for a canoe or kayak trip as it
is for a motorboat.
zz Canoes or kayaks often travel in secluded or scenic sections of lakes or ponds where there may not
be other people around to help.

Leader’s Note: Have students complete Activity Sheet 8-3: Before You Go Boating.

TOPIC: SAFE BOATING SKILLS

Key Points and Discussion

zz Anyone who is going to be on a boat needs to know how to get on (to board) and how to get off
(disembark) and how to safely move about the boat.
zz Only one person at a time boards the boat.

zz Here is how each person should board a boat:

cc Grasp the gunwale (side) when stepping in or out of a boat.

cc Balance the weight on a boat. This means people should sit all around the boat, not all on one side.

cc Move along the centerline of the boat to avoid rocking it.

cc Keep the weight on a boat low and toward the center.

zz Do not overload a boat. The capacity label informs you about the maximum weight limit and number of
people allowed on the boat. Be sure to check the capacity label.

zz Who can tell me the most important safety step you should take before or as soon as you board a boat?
Answer: Put on a life jacket.

©2014 Lesson Plan 8: Know About Boating Before You Go Floating | 5

 zz Life jackets are not just important to wear on a motorboat when you may be traveling in deep water,
they are important on non-motorboats, such as canoes.
cc Canoes can tip over easily.

cc Canoe spills often take place in water that has a swift current.

cc It is very difficult to swim in rapids.

zz A life jacket is important, not only for floating, but for extra protection if the water is cold.
zz After most drownings from canoes or kayaks, life jackets are seen floating nearby—empty.
zz Can anyone explain how to choose a life jacket and how to put one on?
Answer: Prompt students to include the following information:
cc Check the label to find out the size and user weight the jacket is intended for.

cc Make sure all straps, zippers, and ties are fastened. Tuck in any loose strap ends to avoid getting
hung-up.
cc Make sure the jacket fits just right. It should be snug.

cc There should not be excess room above arm openings.

cc The life jacket should not ride up over your chin or face.

Leader’s Note: Have students complete Activity Sheet 8-4: Anchors Aweigh.

Activity
zz Create the bottom of a “boat” by using mats or by taping off the floor to establish a boat outline.
Create a boat that would be large enough to hold at least four students. Place six chairs in the “boat”
to represent the seats on a boat.
zz Divide students into groups of four.

zz Tell students each group is going to take turns boarding the boat.

zz Have the first group of students select and put on life jackets.

zz Next, have them simulate getting on the boat and moving to a seated position.

zz As you observe, make sure each student pretends to hold onto the gunwale (side) while boarding the boat.

zz Students should not all sit on the same side of the boat. If they have not “balanced” the boat you can
instruct them to do so.
zz Once all passengers are seated, you can tell them to disembark so the next group can practice boarding.

zz Make sure they hold onto the gunwale as they leave the boat.

Discussion
zz What are four things you can do to keep a boat from sinking or capsizing (turning over)?

Answer: Responses should include:

cc Do not overload the boat.

cc Balance the weight on a boat.

cc Keep the weight low.

cc Move along the centerline of the boat.

Leader’s Note: Have students complete Activity Sheet 8-5: Boating Word Search.

©2014 Lesson Plan 8: Know About Boating Before You Go Floating | 6

TOPIC: RULES OF THE ROAD

Key Points and Discussion

zz On land we stop at traffic lights and we drive on the right side of the road.

zz Boaters also have “rules of the road” so they know how to move their boats when other boats are around.

zz Does anyone know what “right-of-way” means?

Answer: It is the right of one vehicle over another to pass or go first.

zz Some rules of the road for boaters include the following:

cc Boats with motors give the right-of-way to boats without motors.

cc Meeting: When two boats meet head-on, each should keep to its right.

cc Crossing: A boat on the right has the right-of-way.

cc Passing: A boat being passed has the right-of-way. The passing boat must signal with a whistle,
bell or horn which side it will pass on. (One blast means the boat will pass right, two blasts mean
the boat will pass left.)

Leader’s Note: See Fact Sheet 9, Longfellow’s Rules for Safe Boating, for more information about safe
boating. You can provide this information to students, depending on the level of the group.

zz Can anyone tell us what a buoy is?

Answer: It is an object that floats on the water in a bay, river, lake or other body of water that shows
areas that are safe or dangerous for boats.

zz Buoys and markers are water traffic signs that provide direction and information.
zz They also help identify danger areas and restricted zones.
zz There are many different types of buoys.

Leader’s Note: Have students complete Activity Sheet 8-6: Buoys and Markers.

TOPIC: WHAT TO DO IN A BOAT EMERGENCY

Key Points and Discussion

zz What should you do if your boat capsizes (turns over)?

Answer: Stay with the boat unless it is being carried toward a dangerous area, such as a dam or waterfall.

zz What should you do if you fall from a boat into cold water?
Answer: Climb back into the boat. If the boat has turned over, climb on top of the boat. If you cannot
climb onto the boat and you have on your life jacket, get into the HELP position. Swim to shore only
if it is very close.

©2014 Lesson Plan 8: Know About Boating Before You Go Floating | 7

 zz If someone else is in trouble in the water, what can you do to help from your boat?
Answer: Perform a reaching or throwing assist.

Leader’s Note: See Fact Sheet 2, Longfellow’s Safety and Rescue Equipment Information, for more
information about safety and rescue equipment. You can provide this information to students, depending
on the level of the group.

Activity
zz Using the “boat” you created earlier, arrange four chairs like seats in a boat.

zz When students are not looking, place a life jacket under each of three seats. Place a fourth life jacket
in the back of the boat, behind all of the seats.
zz Ask a volunteer to sit in each seat.

zz Tell students, “When I say go, the boat will sink and you will have 1 minute to find a life jacket and put
it on correctly. Go.”
zz After 1 minute, say “Stop.” See which students were able to put the life jackets on correctly and
which ones were not.
zz Tell students, “It is extremely important to put on a life jacket before getting into a boat or as soon as
you board a boat. It could save your life. You may not have enough time in an emergency.”

TOPIC: WRAP-UP

Leader’s Note: Refer back to the poster, Know About Boating Before You Go Floating, as you review the lesson.

Discussion
zz What do boaters need to do before they go floating?

Answer: Check the safety equipment, make sure everything is in good working order, check the weather
report, give a float plan to a responsible person with details about where the boat is going and for how long.

zz How can you act safely when you go boating?

Answer: Responses should include:
cc Always wear a life jacket.

cc Balance the weight.

cc Keep your weight low.

cc Move along the centerline of the boat.

cc Do not overload the boat.

zz What is one of the most important safety items that every boater should have and wear whenever they
go boating?
Answer: Every boater should have and wear a life jacket.

zz Whenever you go boating, you should always practice safe boating.

©2014 Lesson Plan 8: Know About Boating Before You Go Floating | 8

 Parts of a Boat

Name:

Label the parts of a boat using the words below.

all-around white light hull

bow port
cleat propeller
gunwale starboard
horn stern

©2014 Activity 8-1

 Boat Safety Equipment

Name:

Draw a line from each word to the matching picture.

air horn

anchor

bailer

fire extinguisher

first aid kit

life jacket

nautical map

throwable device

©2014 Activity 8-2

 Before You Go Boating

Name:

Unscramble the words to reveal some safety items that you should have when you
go boating.
epro

arso

slahfglith

rleafs

ohnr

mpaossc

lebl

eifl tcaekj

iodar

©2014 Activity 8-3

 Anchors Aweigh

Name:

Look for safety items in the picture that should be taken on a boating trip. List the
ones you can find.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

©2014 Activity 8-4

 Boating Word Search

Name:

Find the hidden boating words listed below. The words can run across
or down.

i d s k i p p e r x e e s g n
g s t n x q w u t n a v c u v
c j w j c r e t z w d l c n u
b r d d n n y m m x r s i w n
u i a y d f s t e r n p v a r
o a y b i k d c a n t m p l i
y r p a e a n c h o r n t e p
a j o l f s m h s c u q d j c
t h r a d b a i l e r a m p u
i m t n r r w o k v r v o w r
c b n c h v p r o p e l l e r
l z z e f s s t e g a x h c e
i l q z o i t s u a h x e y b
f r s t a r b o a r d z w g o
c e n t e r l i n e x t s t w

Word List

anchor buoy propeller

bailer centerline skipper
balance gunwale starboard
bow port stern

©2014 Activity 8-5

 Buoys and Markers

Name:

Color the waterway scene below and all the buoys and markers. Color the port (left)
side buoys green and the starboard (right) side buoys red. Color the warning signs
orange.

©2014 Activity 8-6

 Parts of a Boat

Name:

Label the parts of a boat using the words below.

all-around white light hull

bow port
cleat propeller
gunwale starboard
horn stern

starboard all-around white light

horn
bow
stern

cleat

hull gunwhale propeller

port

©2014 Activity 8-1

 Boat Safety Equipment

Name:

Draw a line from each word to the matching picture.

air horn

anchor

bailer

fire extinguisher

first aid kit

life jacket

nautical map

throwable device

©2014 Activity 8-2

 Before You Go Boating

Name:

Unscramble the words to reveal some safety items that you should have when you
go boating.
epro rope

arso oars

slahfglith flashlight

rleafs flares

ohnr horn

mpaossc compass

lebl bell

eifl tcaekj life jacket

iodar radio

©2014 Activity 8-3

 Anchors Aweigh

Name:

Look for safety items in the picture that should be taken on a boating trip. List the
ones you can find.

1. air horn
2. anchor
3. life jackets
4. oars/paddles
5. bailer
6. fire extinguisher
7. rope
8. ring buoy
9. first aid kit
10. flashlight
11. radio

©2014 Activity 8-4

 Boating Word Search

Name:

Find the hidden boating words listed below. The words can run across
or down.

i d s k i p p e r x e e s g n
g s t n x q w u t n a v c u v
c j w j c r e t z w d l c n u
b r d d n n y m m x r s i w n
u i a y d f s t e r n p v a r
o a y b i k d c a n t m p l i
y r p a e a n c h o r n t e p
a j o l f s m h s c u q d j c
t h r a d b a i l e r a m p u
i m t n r r w o k v r v o w r
c b n c h v p r o p e l l e r
l z z e f s s t e g a x h c e
i l q z o i t s u a h x e y b
f r s t a r b o a r d z w g o
c e n t e r l i n e x t s t w

Word List

anchor buoy propeller

bailer centerline skipper
balance gunwale starboard
bow port stern

©2014 Activity 8-5

 Longfellow’s Rules for Safe Boating
Boat Classifications
Class A: Less than 16 feet
Class 1: 16 feet to less than 26 feet
Class 2: 26 feet to less than 40 feet
Class 3: 40 feet to 65 feet

Skipper’s Terms
Port means the left side of a boat starboard
looking forward.
Starboard means the right side bow
of a boat looking forward. aft
fore
Bow means the front of a boat.
Stern means the back of a boat.
Fore means in the front of a boat. port stern
Aft means in the back of a boat.

Boating Rules
To make sure a boating trip is as safe as possible, the skipper of the boat should:
zz Check state laws regarding boating regulations. 
zz Develop a float plan and give it to a responsible person. The float plan should contain details
about where the boat is going and how long it will be out. This is important because if the
boat is delayed, becomes lost or encounters problems, someone can come to help.
zz Inspect the safety equipment, boat, motor, life jackets
and other personal flotation devices (PFDs) to be sure
all are in good condition.
zz Check local weather reports and obey storm warnings.
zz Never drink alcohol before or while operating a boat.
zz Never boat near a dam. (Above a dam, the boat could
be pulled into a floodgate. Below a dam, the boat could
be hit by a wall of water created when the floodgates
are opened.)
zz Know the boat’s capacity and be sure not to overload
the boat. (The capacity plate shows the maximum load
and the horsepower rating of the boat. It is located inside
the boat in a place where passengers can see it.)

Continued on next page

©2014 Fact Sheet 9: Longfellow’s Rules for Safe Boating | 1

 Longfellow’s Rules for Safe Boating
Safety Equipment
There are federal and state requirements for boating equipment. Here is a list of some of the
safety equipment that should be on a boat:
zz Life jacket for each person zz First aid kit
zz Whistle, horn or bell zz Bailer (bailing device)
zz Fire extinguisher zz Flashlight
zz Visual distress signals (flares, flags, lights) zz Tool kit and spare parts
zz Running lights zz Nautical charts and maps
zz Anchor zz Compass
zz Oars or paddle zz Radio
zz Rope zz Emergency blanket
zz Throwable device (U.S. Coast Guard–
approved Type IV PFD)

Float Plan Information

A float plan should contain the following information:
zz Boat name and number
zz Boat color, size, make and capacity
zz Number of engines, horsepower and type of fuel used if any
zz Number of persons on board and their names, addresses and telephone numbers
zz Type of radio equipment on board
zz Departure date, time and location
zz Estimated arrival date, time and location
zz Destination
zz Date and time U.S. Coast Guard should be notified if boat fails to reach its destination
A sample float plan can be found at http://www.floatplancentral.org/download/USCGFloatPlan.pdf
Boarding and Disembarking
There are certain ways to get on (to board) and to get off (to disembark) a boat. When you
board and disembark, be sure that:
zz Another person holds the boat, if necessary, to prevent it from capsizing.
zz You grasp the gunwales (sides) when stepping in or out.
zz Only one person at a time boards or disembarks.
Continued on next page

©2014 Fact Sheet 9: Longfellow’s Rules for Safe Boating | 2

 Longfellow’s Rules for Safe Boating
When all the passengers have boarded, they should “trim” the boat by balancing the weight from
side to side and from front to back. Weight should be kept low and toward the center of the boat.

Life Jackets
It is extremely important to put on a life jacket as soon as you board a boat because:
zz You could fall overboard unexpectedly.
zz You may not have enough time to put it on in an emergency.
zz Life jackets help you float.
zz Life jackets provide protection if the water is cold.
zz Life jackets can save lives.

Rules of the Road

Right-of-Way Boats with motors give the right-of-way to boats without motors. A sailboat
running on motor power is considered a motorboat.
Meeting When two boats meet head-on, each should keep to its right.
Crossing A boat on the right has the right-of-way.
Passing A boat being passed has the right-of-way. The passing boat must signal
with a whistle, bell or horn which side it will pass on. (One blast means the
boat will pass right; two blasts means the boat will pass left.)

How to Signal for Help

Some distress signals are:
zz An orange flag. zz A flare.
zz An arm signal using brightly colored cloth. zz Morse code.
zz An SOS light. zz Marine radio channel 16.
zz An orange smoke signal.

What to Do If a Boat Capsizes

If you are on a boat that capsizes (turns over), you should:
zz Stay with the boat so rescuers can find you.
zz Leave the boat only in an emergency, such as a fire or an approaching waterfall or dam.
zz Hold on to the hull of the boat or sit in it and paddle with your hands.

Continued on next page

©2014 Fact Sheet 9: Longfellow’s Rules for Safe Boating | 3

 Longfellow’s Rules for Safe Boating
How to Rescue Someone from the Water
If you are in a boat and someone is in trouble in the water:
zz Reach or throw, don’t go.
zz Keep the boat trimmed (balanced) when the person boards the boat.

Safe Boating
To learn about safe boating, take a boating course offered by the Red Cross, U.S. Power
Squadron, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Sailing or state boating authority. These courses
teach about navigation, boating rules, emergency procedures, and the effects of wind, water
conditions and weather on boating.

©2014 Fact Sheet 9: Longfellow’s Rules for Safe Boating | 4

 Longfellow’s Safety and Rescue
Equipment Information
Safety and Rescue Equipment
When helping someone in the water, it is always best to reach or throw, don’t go. This is
because only someone who is trained in water rescue, such as a lifeguard, should go in the
water to help someone who is having trouble. Rescue equipment is used to help someone in
the water. It can be used without going into the water.
Safety equipment helps keep people safe. Every swimming area should have safety equipment
and rescue equipment.

Heaving Jug
A homemade, emergency throwing device made from
a 1-gallon plastic container with ½ inch of water inside
and a line attached to the handle.

Ring Buoy
A ring that floats and has 40 to 50 feet of lightweight
line attached. The ring is thrown by the rescuer to
someone in trouble in the water. A handle or object
on the end of the line prevents it from slipping out
of the rescuer’s grasp.

Heaving Line
A strong, lightweight line, 40 to 50 feet long. A weighted
object that floats is attached to one end. This helps direct the
line out to the person in the water when it is thrown.

Continued on next page

©2014 Fact Sheet 2: Longfellow’s Safety and Rescue Equipment Information | 1

 Longfellow’s Safety and Rescue
Equipment Information
Throw-Rope Bag
A nylon bag containing line (rope) that floats. It is a
throwing device often used to rescue someone who
has fallen from a boat.

Reaching Pole
A pole, 10 to 15 feet long, made of bamboo, aluminum
or fiberglass. It is extended into the water to help someone
in trouble. A long tree branch or fishing pole could serve
the same purpose.

Safety Post
A post with reaching and throwing devices
attached. It is usually located at home pools
or private ponds.

  

Rescue Tube
A vinyl, foam-filled floating support, approximately
45 to 54 inches long. It has a towline with a shoulder
strap attached. It may be used as a throwing device.

Continued on next page

©2014 Fact Sheet 2: Longfellow’s Safety and Rescue Equipment Information | 2

 Longfellow’s Safety and Rescue
Equipment Information
Shepherd’s Crook
A long, lightweight pole with a rounded hook at one
end. It is used as a reaching pole or to encircle an
unconscious victim in the water.

Rescue Buoy
A hard, plastic buoy with handles on the sides. It has
a towline with a shoulder strap attached. It is used by
waterfront lifeguards when making a swimming rescue.

Lifeline
Floating line that marks and separates
swimming and diving
 areas and shallow
and deep water.

Warning Flags
Flags of various colors that describe safety conditions
in the water. Here are some examples:
zz Green Flag—safe, open for swimming
zz Yellow Flag—caution, limited swimming because
of currents or other conditions
zz Red Flag—unsafe, closed for swimming
zz Purple Flag—dangerous marine life

Continued on next page

©2014 Fact Sheet 2: Longfellow’s Safety and Rescue Equipment Information | 3

 Longfellow’s Safety and Rescue
Equipment Information
Lifeguard Chair
A lifeguard chair is a tall chair where a lifeguard sits,
keeping an eye on swimmers and the water. The height
of the chair allows the lifeguard to have an unblocked
view of the water they are guarding, and it allows them
to watch swimmers carefully for signs of distress.
There is usually a ladder attached to one side that can
be easily climbed. The tall chair helps people find a
lifeguard if there is an emergency.

Posted Rules
Rules posted near supervised
swimming areas. They contain facility
rules and warnings.

Phone
Communication devices such as phones, two-way
radios or megaphones are important safety items.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit has supplies to care for
someone who is sick or injured.

Continued on next page

©2014 Fact Sheet 2: Longfellow’s Safety and Rescue Equipment Information | 4

 Longfellow’s Safety and Rescue
Equipment Information
Backboard
A board that is used for a person with a possible head,
neck or spinal injury. It keeps the person from moving
in order to avoid further injury.

©2014 Fact Sheet 2: Longfellow’s Safety and Rescue Equipment Information | 5