Bill Breen

During the past year there have been many stories in the media about boaters being tossed into the water when encountering large wakes and high waves. As the weather warms and we enter the peak boating season, I thought it appropriate to remind everyone of the ever present dangers when encountering a high wave or crossing another boat’s wake.

Crossing the large wakes of other boats is inevitable. Large vessels often create a dangerous rolling wake, and they can create disturbances in the water for thousands of feet behind them.  A wake is essentially a wave. Always alert your passengers when you see a wake coming. An unexpected wake can toss people around in the cockpit or cabin , and even overboard. Severe injuries or even death could result from from being tossed about by an unexpected wake. Always minimize the effect of large wakes by reducing speed and turning into the