The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Montana’s welcoming summer waters annually draw anglers, hikers, wildlife viewers, campers, floaters and boaters into the outdoors because it’s still easy to have a great summer experience on Montana’s rivers.

The key is river etiquette, a mix of common sense, courtesy, and respect to minimize one party’s impact on another party’s good time. Here are some examples of basic river etiquette.

• Respect People’s Space and Privacy—The point at which someone feels crowded is subjective, but every outdoor activity requires space. On the river, maintain a reasonable space between you and other river users, and initiate friendly communication when encounters are unavoidable. When pulling ashore, select unoccupied beaches and swimming areas whenever possible. Don’t assume because it is a public space that strangers will welcome company. When passing people fishing on shore or from a boat, be quiet, and if safety permits, move to the opposite side of the river. Avoid floating through an area where anglers are fishing.

• Respect Other People’s Time—Always be prepared to launch your boat before you get to the boat ramp. That may sound obvious, but who hasn’t found themselves waiting to launch behind someone who is loading gear into their boat while occupying the boat ramp? Have your gear organized and boats loaded and rigged—and once in the water, clear the launch area as quickly as possible.

• Keep It Down—Excitement is what river recreation is about, so a few hoots and hollers are to be expected. But excessive whoops are in the same category as loud music and noisy generators in camp. Keep noise-levels down when others are nearby and when floating past residential areas.

• Respect Private Property Rights—Respect the property rights of private landowners. Know your rights and responsibilities under the Montana Stream Access Law and stay below the ordinary high-water mark. Keep dogs under control, respect ranchers’ fencing and learn how to properly negotiate float gates and other portage routes.

• Respect Wildlife—Taking proper care not to interfere with or displace wildlife has become a golden rule of outdoor etiquette in Montana

To learn more about recreational ethics, go to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website at fwp.mt.gov. Click “Recreation”, then click “Ethics”.

Keep safe on the water

Summer days on the water with family and friends are ahead. Here’s a primer on how to keep those days safe and fun for the entire crew.

• All boats must have one U.S Coast Guard-approved life jacket, also known as a personal floatation device or PFD Type I, II, or III, for each person on board.

• Life jackets must be in good condition, the appropriate size for the intended wearer, and readily accessible.

• Boats 16 feet or longer (excluding canoes and kayaks) must also have at least one throwable floatation device (Type IV) such as a ring buoy or boat cushion. This floatation device must be immediately available and within reach of the boat’s operator or passengers.

• Under Montana law, life jackets must be worn by: o kids under 12 years of age in boats less than 26 feet in length and in motion; Water skiers, tubers, or anyone being towed by a boat; and anyone operating or riding a personal watercraft such as a wave runner or jet ski..

the importance of life jackets cannot be underestimated. If you’re floating through whitewater or get caught in a storm, wearing a lifejacket could save your life. These rules are there to help keep summer days on the water safe and fun for everyone.

Kids get reward for safe boating

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens will be trying to catch young people doing something right this summer.

FWP and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary have teamed up with McDonald’s and Super 1 Foods stores to hand out coupons for free ice cream cones to young boaters ‘caught’ wearing their life jackets while boating.

The coupons will be given to anyone 16 years of age and under wearing a life jacket while enjoying Montana’s waters. Montana law requires youth under 12 years of age to wear a life jacket when the boat is in motion.

“Having a warden single out someone, especially a youngster, for doing something right is a refreshing way to make a strong impression on a child,” said Liz Lodman, FWP boat education coordinator.

“If we can impress on young people the value of wearing a life jacket, we’re helping to protect them and others who may go boating with them in the future.”

FWP wardens expect to hand out hundreds of coupons throughout the summer. The coupons are good at all McDonald’s restaurants and Super 1 Foods stores.

Be sure to check out fwp.mt.gov for FWP’s Montana Boating Laws webpage before heading out this summer.

Stand-up paddleboards have safety equipment requirements

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wants to remind persons using stand-up paddleboard (SUPs) that a life jacket is required to be on board. The use of SUPs has exploded in Montana over the past few years. The vessels are fun, easy-to-use and have equipment requirements, not unlike other vessels.

All SUPs need to have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket on board, children under 12 years of age must wear a life jacket.

With this increase in popularity more people than ever are participating in this recreational activity. In 2008 the U.S. Coast Guard determined that stand-up paddleboards are considered to be a vessel when used outside a marked swimming area, and that state law applies for safety equipment.