Hovercraft operation may include passage to remote areas not readily accessible by conventional emergency service resources. Additionally, this operation may include unchartered and/or fast moving water which adds greatly to the potential for an unplanned situation. This article will address means of reducing exposure to unnecessary risks and offer tips to efficiently deal with situations should they arise.
Boating law varies somewhat from state to state with enforcement often falling under the jurisdiction the state's Department of Natural Resources. Generally speaking, all law which applies to small boats will apply to the operation of hovercraft. This includes issues such as registration, personal flotation devices and fire extinguishers. It should be noted that some states also now require that operator identification be carried on board. While it is easy to view these laws as a hassle with little merit to the operator, they were developed to save lives. No value can be placed on a PFD or a fire extinguisher at the time of need.
If you are not already, become familiar with marine right of way. Let your tax dollars work for you, most states offer manuals and/or courses in safe boat operation for little to no charge. As an example, click on the following text to see what the Georgia Department of Natural Resources offers its residents (note that you will need to select "Law Enforcement" and then "Boating Safety Handbook" from the resulting linked web page). Excellent additional resources include Boat Ed and Boat US.
Remember that hovercraft are designed to be lightweight, not to participate in a demolition derby. Until you are thoroughly familiar with your cruise partners driving habits, give them lots of room. When travelling fast, run abreast rather than in-line to reduce the risk of a plow-in causing a rear end collision. Be aware of prop wash from the craft in front of you when it is necessary to line up single file for navigating a tight spot. This has been known to push craft off course and into obstacles.
A good overview of safe craft design features and appropriate safety equipment is provided in the document "Hovercraft Safety Checklist" available (at no charge) from the Hoverclub of America. Additional detailed information relating to racing safety may be found in the document, "Construction and Racing Regulations for Light Hovercraft" also available via the internet at no charge.
PFD - Both boating law and common sense dictate that personal flotation devices be worn by anyone in an operating hovercraft. Not only do they reduce the risk of drowning, they cushion impact in the event of collision. Coast Guard standards call for a minimum of 15.5 pounds flotation for a Type III PFD. The average vest exceeds this minimum by some 3 to 4 pounds, but specialized vests may provide upward of 30 pounds flotation.
When selecting a vest for yourself or a passenger, pay particular attention to fit. Most water skiers can tell stories of loosely fitting vests coming off over their head during a hard fall. Secure straps are essential and in the case of infants or large adults a vest with a crotch strap may be appropriate. Specialized vests are available designed for whitewater paddling or boat racing which include features such as additional flotation (and padding), limits on head/neck travel and retrieval straps. These are significantly more expensive, but do yield additional protection. Finally, don't forget to check your equipment regularly. When straps or fabric become sun bleached or frayed, the vest should be replaced (before it fails).
Hearing Protection - Cockpit noise levels are often in the range 100 to 120 db. Unless you either have an extraordinarily quiet hovercraft or are already deaf, you should always use hearing protection.
Helmet - Cruising operation typically doesn't warrant the use of a helmet designed for protection from high speed collision. No protection at all, however, opens the possibility of a serious head injury if an unplanned exit is made from the craft. The whitewater paddling industry has brought a good selection of protective headware to the market at reasonable prices. Prices range from $40 to $75 for helmets which are unaffected by water and are both cool and lightweight. It is best to avoid bicycle helmets as they generally do not provide adequate protection from side impact. Tow Line - A tow line can be a valuable tool, however, careless use can easily escalate one disabled craft to two. Be keenly aware of the fan pulling slack rope into the blades. If you operate a non-integrated craft, be equally aware of the potential to effect the lift engine.
Cold Water Gear - An unexpected swim can be part of a hovercraft cruise for even the most seasoned operator. If the water temperature happens to be below 60 degrees, the event is decisively more intense. While few operators pursue wetsuits for warm weather cruises, they can be highly beneficial during cool weather or in cool water rivers. Remember that fast moving water can extract heat from a body dramatically faster than still water. A diver's wet suit will improve your body's performance dealing with the situation while in the river and also allow you to warm up quickly after getting out. Not only is this more comfortable, it yields a greatly reduced risk of hypothermia. Dry suits are also available which provide a waterproof covering over various layers of thermal insulation. Flashlight - You never know when a problem may stretch the trip out longer than planned. Stow a flashlight in your craft and check the batteries regularly. First Aid Kit - A waterproof container is great for first aid essentials such as bandages, iodine, aneceptic, gause, etc. Don't forget that the things that seem the least critical may be the most likely to be used (aspirin, tweezers, sunscreen, etc). This is also a good place to keep waterproof matches. Cell Phone - It may be tempting to leave the cell phone behind just to get away from the distraction and accessibility. On the other hand, you never know when you might need it to make that 911 call. If you don't want to be disturbed, keep it off in a zip lock bag tucked away in the toolbox or first aid kit. If you do ever have to call for help, remember to use your GPS to advise your exact location.
Fresh Water - While soft drinks may quench your thirst, they are hardly suitable to clean a wound. Bring a bottle of water along too.
Know the Area - Study maps before you cruise a route for the first time. Will you be cruising a river with controlled flow? If so, keep in mind that the start or end of a release from the upstream hydroelectric facility will have a dramatic effect on river flow. Also, consider issues such as alternate pull out points, direction and distance to hike to a roadway and last but not least, location of nearest town likely to have medical facilities.
Start Downstream - Generally speaking upstream runs are safer than travelling downstream. It is far easier to assess upcoming rapids or spot a waterfall or dam from downstream. Also, it is easier to control forward speed when progressing uphill and against the current. Plan round trip cruises to travel upstream first and then return downstream on familiar territory. Also, the downstream return greatly aids the retrieval of disabled craft.
File a Flight Plan - This doesn't have to be an elaborate planning process, but do tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Advise them to seek assistance if you do not check-in by a given time. Don't forget to check-in upon return, if you expect this person to take your future requests seriously.
Improve the Odds, that your craft will complete the trip. Stay current on your preventative maintenance and carry key tools and spare parts. Last but not least, don't forget to bring enough fuel.
Even marginally powered hovercraft are capable of negotiating surprising rapids. As current and turbulence increases, however, the elapsed time between normal operation and extreme danger is nearly non-existent. Don't expect a warning sign in extreme white water and be prepared to respond, if things go wrong. The suggestions and comments offered in this section are based more on research than on experience. Numerous books are available on the subject of whitewater safety including, McGraw-Hill's "WHITEWATER RESCUE MANUAL" by Charles Walbridge & Wayne Sundmacher Sr.
While exceptions can be found to almost any rule, it goes without saying that you are better off in your craft than in the river. If you make an unplanned exit, strive to reboard without capsizing the craft. This might be a good thing to practice on a lake without the added complexity of a current. If you experience equipment problems get out your paddle immediately and try paddle to a calm area at the river's edge.
Whether you are paddling a disabled craft or operating a functional one, beware of the area upstream of fallen trees. Whitewater professionals identify these as strainers due to their tendency to hold back equipment and personnel. Even a 2 or 3 MPH current will pose a dramatic problem if you are trapped in branches at or beneath the water's surface. Another area which warrants particular attention is the outside bank of a turn. Undercuts, exposed roots and jutting rocks coupled with the river's current can pose extreme danger for a swimmer or in some cases even a craft occupant. Given the choice, stay clear of these areas.
If you do come out of your craft in swift water, avoid the natural tendency to stand up and walk. Instead, swim with your arms keeping your legs near the surface of the water. The goal is to avoid trapping your leg(s) in front of a large rock as the current pushes you downstream. Whitewater paddlers site this as the cause of numerous instances of broken bones and/or drownings. Stand only when you are confident that the water depth and current will allow you to maintain your position.
What is the one thing that could be scarier than going over a water fall in your hovercraft; going over a waterfall out of your hovercraft. If you find yourself in this undesirable position, experts advise that you avoid a feet first approach, as it can lead to entrapment. Instead, tuck into a ball and be prepared to roll forward with the current.
Low head dams are discussed by whitewater experts with the utmost respect. Natural obstacles such as boulders in a river create currents which are constantly changing. This variable nature of the current provides an intermittent opportunity to break free when trapped in recirculating currents. Dams on the other hand have a smooth regular surface and produce a very consistent recirculating flow or hydraulic. This situation has been known to trap people and equipment in a perpetual loop creating an incredible challenge for both the victim and rescue personnel. Further compounding the matter is the fact that the water may be highly aerated, thereby compromising the buoyancy of one's personal flotation device. One self-rescue technique consists of balling up and allowing the current to push one to the bottom of the flow. Then swim aggressively downstream at this depth, waiting as long as feasible to resurface. Be advised that this technique carries the added risk of encountering debris or exposed rebar at the dam's base. The best approach to dams is to stay clear.
Whether its a mechanical problem or an injury, an unplanned event will make you appreciate the benefit of travelling as a group. If it is necessary to break up the group and send out for parts or assistance, remain in groups of 2 or more, if feasible. The party leaving the problem site should make careful note of landmarks to assure that they can get back or advise others how to get to the site. If available a GPS is the best means for this, but don't forget to mark the site before you leave. You might want to consider writing these down in case your batteries expire later.
Never attempt to transport a person with a neck injury. If the person is in imminent danger, strive to immobilize their upper body before moving to a safe area to await arrival of help. It is far beyond the scope of this article to address other issues surrounding a decision to transport or seek emergency extraction for an accident victim. In no uncertain terms an emergency extraction is a costly procedure. If an injury is serious don't let this cost be a driver, which results in compromising the victim's future health. Numerous books and classes are available on the subject of emergency first aid. Give this serious consideration as you never know when or how you may benefit.
Now that you have read this you are probably wondering why anyone would want to hover away from the security of a well populated lake. I answer this question with 3 short words "because its fun". The purpose of this article is neither to scare some individuals nor convenience others that it can be done without risk. My purpose here is to convey a message that reasonable precautions coupled with an awareness of your surroundings can maximize the probability of enjoying your trip and returning safely.
Happy Hovering, Louis Bondurant Member #5452
Whitewater Rescue Manual, Charles Walbridge & Wayne A. Sundmacher Sr., Rugged Mt. Press Georgia Department of Natural Resources Hoverclub of America Boat-Ed Boat U.S. Foundation 47 Years of Reasonably Safe Boating