Boating Safety

Sonoma County has boating opportunities on the Pacific Ocean and Lake Sonoma. Every person navigating a vessel (i.e., driving a boat) must have a California Boater Card, regardless of age. Be sure to read California boater laws before you apply for your card. The California Department of Boating and Waterways has extensive safety information and the California Department of Fish & Wildlife has a complete list of fishing regulations.

While Sonoma County scenery is beautiful, conditions can change quickly and lead to boating accidents and deaths. Be sure to comply with all safety regulations and understand the conditions you’re entering.

Warnings and Advisories

Pay attention to official warnings about ocean-related conditions, especially gale force winds, high surf, and small craft advisories. Live to fish another day! Warnings can often be found on higher-quality weather apps and are always available from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

• NOAA weather and warning center

Forecasts

Read ocean and weather forecasts. Ocean conditions change rapidly and often worsen in the afternoons. Be sure to understand the forecasted ocean and weather conditions so you know what to expect throughout the day. When in doubt, don’t go out.

• NOAA ocean forecast

• Current wind, air, and ocean temperatures

• Current wave and wind data approx. 10 miles west of Bodega Bay

Safety Equipment

Maintain proper safety equipment on your boat. You can find a complete list of required safety equipment in the ABCs of Boating, starting on page 24.

• Properly rated and fitted life jackets for each person

Radio Channels

Make sure you have a marine UHF radio and know the correct channels to use where you plan to boat. Here are the most important channels In the Bodega Bay area:

• Channel 9 - boat to boat communications

• Channel 16A - warnings, advisories, and distress calls

• Channel 21A - Coast Guard notifications