QC
Boating
Boating Safety Tips
No matter how much experience you have, it’s always a good idea for everyone to review boating safety rules before departures. Below you will find 10 basic boating safety tips to help you stay safe:
Be Weather-Wise
Use the Life jackets
Pr e-Departure Checklist
Avoid Alcohol
Use Common Sense
Learn to Swim
Designate a First Mate
Take a Boating Course
Develop a Float Plan
Vessel Safety Check
Take the Official Online Boating Safety Course
Illinois / Iowa or Choose your State
Nun Buoy
Can Buoy
Take this Illinois–approved course to complete your Online Boating safety education.
Take this Iowa–approved course to complete your Online Boating safety education.
warning!
Wing dam:
A wing dam or wing dike is a man made barrier that, unlike a conventional dam, only extends partway into a river. These structures force water into a fast-moving center channel which reduces the rate of sediment accumulation, while slowing water flow near the riverbanks.
While wing dams assist in assuring that rivers are navigable, they can also pose a threat to boaters.
Navigational Aids for Boating
Nun Buoy
LEFT SIDE OF BOAT (PORTSIDE)
NUN BUOY IS ON THE LEFT WHEN TRAVELING DOWN RIVER
Can Buoy
RIGHT SIDE OF BOAT (STARBOARD)
CAN BUOY IS ON THE RIGHT WHEN TRAVELING DOWN RIVER
DOWNSTREAM
Educational Catch of the Day
Hello boaters and river enthusiasts. As local residents of the Quad Cities and surrounding
areas we are very fortunate to take part in many activities and learning opportunities provided
by the beautiful Mississippi River. As a teacher, I am able to use this resource to provide a
wealth of knowledge to my students in many different disciplines. One small example is when
my students had the opportunity to track the extraction and movement of hundreds of thousands
of mussels as the I-74 bridge project began. I am interested in partnering with teachers,
community members, and students alike to increase knowledge and maximize learning
opportunities for everyone. I look forward to this journey of learning and discovery that our local
gem, the Mississippi River has to offer us all!
Shana Hinton