AFT- on a boat, the direction near or at the back of the boat (stern)

ANCHOR- a heavy weight (metal) used to secure a boat in a body of water. Tied with a line from the front of the boat (bow), the anchor grips or catches the bottom of the water body (river, lake, pond or ocean) to keep the boat from moving with the water. There are different types of anchors for different types of bottoms and boats.

BAILER- something as simple as a plastic bottle with the bottom cut out or a pan used in the event water needs to be emptied from a boat.

BOW- front of a boat

BUOY- like road signs on the water, they can show the edges of water channels, directions, hazards and areas where boats are to stay away.

CAPACITY PLATE- a small metal plate on a boat which shows both the maximum amount of people and weight the boat can safely carry.

CAPSIZE- when the boat turns over and empties you into the water. This is one of the reasons it’s important to wear your life jacket at ALL times when on a boat. It’s also important to stay with the boat in the event your boat capsizes.

CHANNEL- a portion of a waterway marked for depth, hazards and direction with buoys or markers.

CURRENT- horizontal water movement caused by either tides, wind or normal water flow.

EDDY- a slow current which forms beyond an obstacle (usually a rock). For paddlers, this quiet, still water is a good rest area.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER- a container with a hose or nozzle which contains a spray which, when used properly, puts out a fire. A great companion on board!

FLOAT PLAN- a plan or list left with someone on land which includes details about the boat, trip, leaving and returning times, persons aboard and any important information.

FORWARD- on a boat, the direction towards the front (bow)

HEADING- the direction a boat is pointed

HULL- structure or structural body of a boat

INBOARD MOTOR- a boat motor placed inside the boat

INLET- a narrow waterway leading from a large boay of water (for example, an ocean) to a smaller body of water (bay or river).

LAUNCH- to move a boat from land into water

LIFE JACKET- personal flotation device (PFD). The most important item you can have on a boat. A lifesaving must–wear it!

MOORED- when a boat is fastened to a pier or anchored

OUTBOARD MOTOR- a boat motor placed outside the boat, attached to the transom

PORT- left side of a boat

RAPIDS- very fast-moving river water, sometimes caused by an increase in water flow because of seasonal or weather conditions. A great example of the power of water!

RIPPLE- surface pattern in moving water.

SELF-RESCUE- the best kind of rescue. Whether the person who is drowning is “coached” by someone else or rescues himself, a self-rescue avoids putting anyone else at risk of drowning.

SHOAL- a rough buildup on the bottom of a body of water caused by wave patterns, currents or crosswinds.

SOUND SIGNALS- using a whistle, horn or bell, it is a way to safely let other boaters know how you change course.

STARBOARD- right side of a boat

STERN- back of a boat

STRAINER- an obstacle in the water (like a fallen tree branch) which allows water to pass through, but can trap and hold boats and passengers.

TIDES- the rise and fall of water caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and sun.

THROWABLE DEVICES- used for rescue when a person can not rescue themselves. Can be a seat cushion or a ring buoy (Type 4 PFD) or a rescue line bag (throw bag). If one of these devices is not on board, a ball, empty water jug, cooler or anything that floats can be used.

TRANSOM- flat part of the stern

WAKE- a wave or rippling of water caused by a boat's passge as it travels through the water.