Going outside? Go safely and prepare carefully. Tides are a concern in this part of the world, whether you're on a boat or on the beach. What may appear to be a good place to boat or a beach wide enough to hike may be strongly impacted by the bay's 15- to 28-foot tidal range. Tide books are available at most local businesses. Keep one close at hand.
Weather can change even quicker than the tides, making it an important factor when boating, beachcombing and hiking. Pay attention to changing conditions. Dress appropriately.
The Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation offers these additional safety tips:
$bull; Learn outdoor skills or travel with an experienced person.
$bull; Plan for delays by bringing extra food and fuel.
$bull; Don't exceed your capabilities and strengths.
$bull; Let a friend know where you're going, whom you're going with and when you plan to return. Trip plans also can be filed with park rangers.
$bull; Outdoor water sources may be contaminated with giardia, an intestinal parasite. Bring water with you or purify it in the field. Giardia can be killed by boiling the water for 10 minutes or by disinfecting it with the appropriate chemicals.
$bull; Don't pollute.
$bull; Keep a safe distance from wildlife.
$bull; Know which plants are poisonous and avoid them.
$bull; Discourage vandalism by not leaving valuables in your vehicle while hiking.
Before embarking on water, read through the Alaska Boater's Handbook and the Kachemak Bay supplement. They can be found on the Web at www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/boating/handbook.htm.
State boating requirements are available at www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/boating/pdf/boatrequire.pdf.
The list is divided by requirements for varying boat lengths. www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/boating/pdf/boatrequire.pdf. The list is divided by requirements for varying boat lengths.
One requirement for all boat sizes is that all persons under 13 must wear PFDs, personal flotation devices, when in an open boat or on the deck of a boat, and when water skiing. A selection of PFDs is available for use under "Kids Don't Float" signs in boat harbors and at river launch sites.
Capsizing or falling overboard accounts for nine out of 10 boating fatalities in Alaska. The state requires one serviceable United States Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III or V PFD for each person be onboard.
Filing a float plan with the Harbormaster's Office or with a family member or friend takes the "search" out of "search and rescue." It includes such information as destination, type of boat, planned return date and contacts.A copy can be found on the Web at www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/boating/pdf/2005floatplan.pdf.
