What’s the primary risk during nighttime boating?

Reduced visibility is the primary risk during nighttime boating because darkness significantly limits a boater's ability to see obstacles, other vessels, and navigational markers. Navigating in low-light conditions can lead to increased chances of collisions and accidents, as well as difficulty in assessing weather conditions and water hazards. Boaters must rely on their navigational lights, which can only partially compensate for the absence of natural light, making it crucial to operate at slower speeds and maintain heightened alertness.

In contrast, while increased traffic may occur during certain times of the day, it is generally less of a concern during nighttime hours. Strong winds can affect boating safety but do not inherently correlate with nighttime conditions. Higher water temperatures may influence comfort levels or entice recreational activities but do not pose a direct risk associated with reduced visibility. Overall, the lack of adequate lighting is what makes nighttime boating particularly hazardous.