Safety for boaters and hunters

New Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - Long Island Sound may be a tranquil escape for some but it also offers up many dangers, not just for boaters and swimmers but also hunters.

We're in the middle of waterfowl season which draws hundreds of licensed hunters to the Sound. And the potential for trouble on the water is what the Coast Guard is trying to prevent.

"Safety is always going to be paramount," said Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Travis Halling. "We want to make sure that everybody is coming back."

For hunters, that means being prepared for every scenario.

"You never know what is going to happen while you are out there. There's elements you just can't control," Halling said.

Weather plays a big part, from sudden changes in wind to tidal influences along the hunters' marshy playground.

"Hunters can be pushed up against rocks or have a hard time getting out of that area that they are in," Storm Team 8 Meteorologist Gil Simmons said.

"You can very easily get stuck someplace you don't want to be," Halling said.

A checklist is essential. From flashlights to certified life jackets, having the basics could be a life saver.

"The water temperature is obviously cold," Storm Team 8 Meteorologist Steve Villanueva said. "Hypothermia is a big, big issue and people tend to forget that. When people go hunting, go fishing, they have to be dressed for the occasion and be nice and warm."

"You're going to stay away from cotton clothing," Halling said. "You are going to try to layer up as well because the environment is going to change very drastically very quickly."

Capsizing a boat or being pulled away from shore can happen in an instant.

"We know in advance if it's the type of situation that we can get some really dangerous conditions," Storm Team 8 Meteorologist Steve MacLaughlin said. "What's bad is if someone goes out, before conditions get rough and the conditions change really, really quickly."

So float plans are important. Telling someone where you are could mean a quicker response from rescuers.

"Hopefully if you made the appropriate float plan you can get someone out there to come rescue you," Halling said.

And for a boater in trouble the quicker the better.