Alamitos Bay Water Traffic Rules

1. Two-way traffic patterns are established by the Harbor Patrol.

2. All traffic moves to the right hand side of the waterway, just like street driving

3. When approaching at right angles and at risk of a collision, give-way or yield to the boat ahead and to the right of you. You must direct your course to the right and pass behind the other boat. If necessary you should slow, stop or back paddle. Never turn your boat to the left during a crossing situation. Doing so may result in a serious collision.

4. If you are overtaking another vessel give right-of-way and Keep Clear. When a dragon boat is approaching a slower boat (e.g. kayaks, shells) and wish to pass, first make sure there is safe open water to pass, slow the dragon boat down or stop (give right-of-way), alert the people in the other boat of your intentions and then safely take the widest clearance possible to pass (keep clear). Many of these people are vacationers and are not adept at maneuvering their boats. Remember that we have a responsibility to the Long Beach community to help keep their waters safe.

5. NOTE: five short whistle blasts alert other boats to a dangerous situation.

6. Channel marker buoys define the traffic lanes and include: a. Green can buoys that mark the left side of the channel when boats/ships are returning to port. b. Red-striped spherical buoys that mark the center of the channel c. Red nun buoys that mark the right side of the channel when boats/ships are returning to port. “Red, Right, Returning” is a saying to help remember which side of the channel the red buoys should be when boats/ships are returning from seaward to a port or harbor.

7. Dragon Boats should always keep to the right of the buoy line (i.e. keep the buoy line on your left. Don’t go the wrong way.)

8. Least maneuverable craft has the right-of-way. When in doubt, give-way! a. Dragon Boats give-way to yachts, sailboats, and large powered vessels. b. Boats propelled by paddles usually have the right-of-way over motor boats, because they are harder to maneuver – but don’t challenge them!

9. Marine Stadium waters are off limits to Dragon Boats. The area is limited to shells before 8 a.m., and water-skiers after 8 a.m. 10. You do not have the right to stop at private docks. The long dock in front of the Long Beach Yacht Club, the Marine Dept. dock, and the American Pride dock are accessible to Dragon Boats.

11. We have been asked not to race in front of Mother’s Beach, in the canal and near other boats. Please understand that an individual team’s lack of respect in following these rules is not only irresponsible, but will reflect poorly on the entire Long Beach dragon boat community.