Boating safety tips for boat-happy dogs from the U.S. Coast Guard
Dogs can be seen taking in the sun and spray on all manner of sail and powerboats these days, and adapting just fine. But boaters shouldn’t assume that because dogs can swim that their particular dog is an adequate swimmer, or that it has the good sense not to chase that sea gull over the side.
Dogs are hard-wired to chase and swimming ability varies from breed to breed. Many with low body fat, like Greyhounds, may have trouble staying afloat. Breeds with short legs and long bodies can swim, but may tire quickly. Overboard, a dog can become disoriented and suffer the same hazards from coldwater immersion as humans.
A trusted friend in trouble can pose a danger for the owner too. Every year, the U.S. Coast Guard logs reports of dog owners who drown trying to rescue their pet from deep water. Also, the bigger the dog, the harder it is to haul it back into the boat, and a large dog, wet and thrashing, can easily pull a would-be rescuer overboard.
Fortunately for dog owners, the same technological advancements that have resulted in specialized life jackets for every on-the-water human activity now enable boaters to extend a similar measure of safety to their pets. Life jackets for dogs have become highly popular on the nation’s inland and coastal waterways. Found in pet shops, marine supply stores, and on the Internet, they come in a variety of colors and styles, including float coats and auto-inflatables.
For larger dogs, consider installing a pet ramp or stair on the back of the boat for easy access. Similar to those used to get older dogs into trucks and SUVs, these devices allow the dog to climb aboard safely while saving the owner’s back.
Small dogs pose less of a problem. Most pet life jackets have a handle on the back that helps in hauling smaller dogs from the water. With very small dogs it can also come in handy for transferring them between the boat and the dock. Be sure to have a backup plan, however. Even a fishing net, attached with a line to the boat, can be a useful tool in getting a small dog back aboard quickly.
Of course, the best course of action is to make sure your dog only goes in the water when permitted to do so. When the boat is underway, keep the dog safely restrained. A leash attached to a collar can present a choking hazard if a dog bolts overboard, but a dog life jacket, with a D-ring on back for attaching to a leash, can do dual-duty as a harness, providing a reliable restraint for an excitable pet.
If you’re considering a life jacket for your boat-happy dog, think about comfort and purpose. A foam-filled float coat may be more appropriate for dogs going in and out of the water. For dogs expected to stay in the boat, an auto-inflatable is cool, lightweight, and provides emergency support.
In the boat and in the water, a proper fit is important:
• Check the width of the straps and where they cross under the dog’s body. The straps should not interfere with the dog’s ability to sit or lie down comfortably.
• Be sure the life jacket fits snugly enough that the dog won’t slip out of it when wet or being pulled into the boat.
• Choose a bright color to make the dog easier to spot in the water.
• Conduct a “float test,” just as you would with a life jacket for a person. Try it out on the dog in shallow water and have a harness and leash on as backup.
• Pet life jackets, unlike those for people, are designed to float the animal in a horizontal position. The jacket should support the dog in the water while allowing it to swim freely.
