What is a common sign that you should be cautious while boating?

Monitoring weather conditions is crucial for safe boating, and dark clouds combined with changing winds are significant indicators that caution is necessary. These weather signs often suggest an impending storm or rapidly deteriorating conditions, which can lead to increased risks such as heavy rain, strong winds, and rough waters. As a responsible boater, recognizing these signals can help you make the right decision to either alter your course or seek shelter, ensuring your safety and that of your passengers.

While clear skies and calm waters typically indicate favorable boating conditions, these scenarios do not warrant the same level of caution. Heavy traffic can present its own hazards, such as collisions, but it does not inherently imply poor weather or unsafe boating conditions like dark clouds and changing winds do. Awareness of environmental factors like weather is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable boating experience.