Use a chart which shows the depth of water to plot where you want to go and where you are.
Consult up-to-date charts, and keep a weather eye out.
Sit down
The term for the depth of the water needed to float a boat clear on the bottom is called "draft." It is the distance between the waterline and the bottom of the boat's hull. The draft of a boat is important to know to avoid running aground in shallow waters.
To avoid running aground while boating, always consult nautical charts and GPS navigation systems to identify shallow areas and hazards. Maintain a safe distance from shorelines and be aware of tidal changes that can affect water depth. Additionally, regularly monitor your depth sounder and consider using a lookout to spot potential obstacles. Finally, reduce speed in unfamiliar waters to allow for quick reactions if you approach shallow areas.
Running aground, resulting in being "grounded", or aground. Run Aground. Should a vessel run aground and there be a tide that has receded enough to show the sea bottom, the vessel is said to be "high and dry." Also known as "Beached"
If your boat runs aground, check to see if anyone's hurt, and render assistance as necessary.
The boat ran aground on the lake's sandbar.
If your boat runs aground at high speed, the first step is to immediately reduce power to avoid further damage and assess the situation. Check for injuries among passengers and ensure everyone is safe. Next, determine the boat's position and the nature of the grounding—whether it's soft sand or rocky terrain—before deciding on the best course of action to refloat the vessel. Avoid forcing the boat off, as this could cause more damage.
If a vessel is aground on another boat, it must have had a collision with the boat it is aground on. The coastguard will therefore be investigating the scene with a view to prosecuting one or other of the vessels captains.
If your inboard outboard boat runs aground what action should you take?
You are lucky.
If your boat runs aground, check the safety of passengers, then check for leaks.