[June 19, 2013] Apps aid beachgoers, boaters Tweet Jun 19, 2013 (Erie Times-News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Heading to the beach or out on the boat? There's an app for that. Do a search for "beach" or "boating" and hundreds of apps pop up to help you plan your outing or even entertain you while you're sunning on the sand or cruising on the water. Lifeguards and boat captains also are turning to smart phone apps to help keep you safe. "We're utilizing the modern technology we have," said Steve Dunsmore, Lake Erie lifeguard manager at Presque Isle State Park. For beachgoers, there are apps to help you locate stretches of sand and, once you find one, to tell you about waves, water quality and temperature, or the UV index. Lifeguards use apps to help determine when to get you out of the water and when it's safe to let you go back in. Similarly, other apps can help boaters find launch ramps and fishing spots, file safety plans, keep an eye on approaching storms and even read up on boating regulations. Prices for apps start at free and go up, depending on the source and the content. Dave White, a recreation specialist with New York Sea Grant, said he's seeing more of these apps, and they're including more places. "It makes the information available when the person needs it," he said. Capt. Scott Snyder, of Eyecon Sportfishing Charters out of North East Township, said he checks weather radar before going out on Lake Erie. But once he's out on the water, if he doesn't like the look of the clouds, he'll get out his phone and pull up the current conditions on the free MyRadar weather radar app. "It's handy when there's thunderstorms," he said. "I can watch it real-time while out on the water." One drawback, however, is that Snyder said his phone won't work everywhere his boat goes. So sometimes even the best apps aren't accessible. "That's the big limitation to using anything like that on the water," Snyder said. He sees plenty of his customers carry their mobile technology aboard the Eyecon2. "Everyone's got a smart phone now," he said. A few use apps to look at the weather, but most trust him to keep an eye on that, Snyder said. Customers are more likely to be running apps to check scores on sports games they're missing while fishing, he said. For parents concerned about their children getting bored while out on the water, White said there are even apps with boating games. But he sees several other important uses of apps by boaters. One involves access. White said apps can help boaters learn where to go. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation website TakeMeFishing.org has a free Boat Ramp App he recommended that is available for both iPhone and Android. Some apps are only available on one of the platforms. Another use is related to weather. Numerous apps let boaters check weather conditions and forecasts. White said some will even send you a text or e-mail if the weather is changing while you're out on the water. Yet another kind of app can help boaters get out of trouble. White said that with the free BoatUS app, users having problems with their craft can enter their location and get connected with the nearest towing service. Apps also can help with safety in other ways, White said. Information on general boating regulations can be found on some apps. Details include life preserver requirements in certain states. "I see it as a great education tool as well," White said. He said there also are multiple apps out there that will let boaters file a float plan and send it to someone. A boater inputs that he or she is going out on the water, where and when the excursion is due to end. If the boater runs into trouble and doesn't get back on time, someone else will be able to alert rescuers and provide vital information, White said. Keeping people safe is also why lifeguard supervisors at Presque Isle use apps, Dunsmore said. He said he and the two other lifeguard supervisors carry smart phones. He used his several times on a single day in late May as storms moved in. Dunsmore said apps are convenient because he can use them to check weather radar when he's on a beach way out near the end of the peninsula and far from an office with a computer. When he sees what's approaching, he can start prepping his lifeguards on when to get the public out of the water. He also can track lightning to determine when it's moved far enough away for a beach to reopen. He uses apps with weather forecasts to help determine how many guards he'll need to schedule. A good forecast usually means larger crowds and a need for more staff. Dunsmore relies on a Weather Channel app, which comes in a free version and a "max" version that's $3.99 but doesn't have ads. He also said he has WeatherBug, which can be downloaded for free or for $2.99 for the Elite. "They're pretty consistent," Dunsmore said. While apps are helpful, he said, no technology is foolproof. Even with his smart phone in hand, Dunsmore said, the best way to check the weather is often simply to look at the sky. DANA MASSING can be reached at 870-1729 or by e-mail. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/ETNmassing. ___ (c)2013 the Erie Times-News (Erie, Pa.) Visit the Erie Times-News (Erie, Pa.) at www.GoErie.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]