Canoes are available for use by all Biological Station residents. You must fill out a waiver before you use them. The form must be filled out once a year by each participant. Do not use canoes alone–let someone on shore know your plan. The canoes do not have lights, so do not use canoes at night. You must use life jackets provided near the beach. The UMBS motorized boats are not for general use.
Swimming is a popular way to escape the heat or relax after a long day of fieldwork. Please note that there is never a lifeguard on duty at the Biological Station. Use caution when swimming as there is a steep drop-off close to shore. Swimmers are encouraged to swim parallel to shore before the drop-off. Do not attempt to swim across the bay or to the buoy. Do not swim at night.
If you see someone in distress or drowning, immediately shout for help. Use the practice of “Reach, Throw, Row, Go.” You can reach out to them from land, throw a flotation device or life-saving ring, or row a canoe out to get closer access. Entering the water to save someone is absolutely the last resort. Do not swim out to a drowning person unless you are trained as a lifeguard and wearing a flotation device. A drowning victim can easily drown another person who is not trained. The nearest AED is at the Nurse’s Station.
