Do games at the waterside with rowing boat, canoes and sailing boats give an added dimension to the games and to boating activities? The combination of boats and water offer many new game possibilities. Moreover, many traditional board games or outdoor games can be transformed into nautical games.

Organisers of water gameshave to consider some special poitns when preparing the games.

1. Preparing games beforehand
   

   Consider:

• What are conditions like on the lake, in the fairway or in the channel where you would like to run the game? How busy is the shipping lane?
• Which type of boat do you want to use in the game?
• Are the participants allowed to get wed?
• What are the weather conditions and the water temperature?
• Which game to choose. How much time do you have?
• How to set the game up.
• How many instructors do you have?
2. Choosing games
   

   Consider:

• The crew's experience.
• How to involve all members of the crew.
• Can you adapt the game if the weather conditions change?
• The time needed to play a game on the water is 3 x the time needed to play the game on land.
• Risk of collision
3. Scheduling games
• Make sure you have enough time.
• Make sure the programme is progressive.
• Don't play the same game too long.
• Take time to rest and drink plenty of liquid.
• End the game session with an exciting game.
4. Organising Games
• Make sure you plan the programme well. A game organiser cannot walk across the water to correct a buoy! Don't make the organisation too complicated.
• Consider how to ensure that the participants understand the games' rules.
• Establish a good communications system using signals with flaggs and balls and make sure that everybody understands the signals!
• Communicate among the game organisers using well-functioning walkie-talkies. The game organiser needs a motor boat.
• Respect safety rules and have a special team or boat available with safety equipment.
5. Explaining games
• The game organiser and instructors have to know the games' rules very well.
• Make the rules easy to understand.
• Do a trial run.
• Take time to answer questions.
• Explain the signals to start and end the game and fix a meeting point.
• Have a emergency signal, e.g. a black ball on the mast.
6. Safety
   

   In boats:

• Make sure the boats are unsinkable.
• Have a rescue boat available with livesaving equipment and dry lcothes.
• Play games on protected waterways (lakes/canals).

During the game:

• Don't touch other people or other boats unnecessarily.
• Sailing rules apply at all times.
• Stay together in your crwe.

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