Safety

Hoofer Sailing Club Safety Manual (PDF)

Wisconsin Boating Laws & Regulations (PDF)

A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (PDF)

Lake Mendota Buoy (Water Temperature & Wind Weather Station)

Quick Guide to Lake Mendota (PDF)

Although sailing can be loads of fun, the potential hazards of water sports are also great including injuries and drowning. As the skipper of your craft, it is important to recognize that the skipper is responsible for the safety of all your crew and equipment (your boat) at all times. Ask any longtime sailors about their "stories" about what went wrong. They will have plenty. As one sails more and gains more experience, one becomes wise and more cautious in preventing potential hazards. Once you are in trouble, there are at least two things you can do to increase your safety. (If everyone followed these two basic safety rules, there would be far less drownings in the boating world.)

• Wear a snug-fitting lifejacket any time you are on the water.
• Always stay with your craft (even if capsized) unless someone is right there to put you into his or her boat. The boat gives you additional buoyancy and is easily spotted.

You can also take these additional steps to increase your safety.

• Check the weather forecast before you go out and watch the weather as you sail.
• Teach your crew effectively on basic sailing to increase their safety.
• Develop your skill by sailing as much as you can
• When at Hoofers, properly check out your equipment in the boathouse every time you're on the water (so that we know that you are on the water and may need rescue).

Will knowing the potential risks associated with water sports diminish your fun? Certainly not. Knowing the potential dangers and the following safety rules designed to keep you out of danger is the best way to insure that you have fun. Safe sailing to you!

Channel 16 - Distress, Safety & Calling, monitored by UW Lifesaving

Channel 68 - Hoofer Youth Program (also used by OUW groups)

Channel 69 - General Hoofer & OUW Communication, monitored by OUW Front Desk

Channel 71 - MYC Race Committee

Channel 78A - MYC Racing - Competitor Information

Determination of conditions as indicated by flags is set by the UWPD Lake Rescue & Safety, which is operated by the UW-Madison Police Department. The flag pole is located in front of the Boathouse.

The UWPD Lake Rescue & Safety may sound the steam whistle located on the top of the Lake Safety Tower upon closing the lake due to a storm and one hour before sunset (to inform sailors they should begin to head in). In the event of a storm, red lights shall flash from the end of Picnic Point, the Tenney Park Locks, the Lake Safety Tower, and the UWPD Lake Rescue & Safety Station. The mechanical warning devices are subject to failure so the flags take precedence if in conflict with the light signal. Hoofers are required to obey the following flags which tell current weather conditions. Flags may change in the middle of the day (green to blue, or non-yellow to yellow)—penalties may be incurred for not following the current flags.