Summerset Boat Lifts: National Safe Boating Week: May 21-27

Friday, May 20, 2016

National Safe Boating Week: May 21-27

National Safe Boating Week starts this Saturday! The National Weather Service has partnered with the National Safe Boating Council to help promote safe boating practices through a safe boating campaign. In conjunction with this campaign, Summerset Boat Lifts has come up with a list of tips to help keep you safe on the water this season!

8 Boating Safety Tips

1. Before you hit the water, check the weather forecast. You don't want to get caught out in the middle of the lake during a big storm.

2. Make sure your boat has all the essential safety equipment and communications tools. This includes life jackets, fire extinguishers, cell phones, weather radios, etc.

3. While out on the water, use common sense. This means operating your boat at a safe speed at all times, staying alert and steering clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn quickly.

4. Be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, all of which are there for your own personal safety and the safety of others on your boat.

5. Make sure that at least one person on board is familiar with all aspects of the boat's handling and operations. It's better if more than one person knows this as well, just in case the primary captain is injured or incapacitated in any way.

6. Develop a float plan and make sure that someone on land is aware that you are out on the water and the general areas that you will be boating in. In case of an emergency situation, they'll be able to direct help your way.

7. Make sure you have enough life jackets on board for everyone. In addition, Missouri law states that children under the age of 8 are required to have a life jacket on at all times while boating.

8. Consider taking a boating course. Beginning boaters and experienced ones alike need to be familiar with the boating safety rules of operation. While boater education requirements vary from state to state, Missouri law requires anyone born after 1984 to take the course and get a boating license to carry with them on the water.

As the best boat lift dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we feel safety is important. Not only do we want you to be safe on the water, but we also want you to be safe when it comes to your boat dock and boat lift. Proper boat lift maintenance will ensure your boat lift is working safely and efficiency. For all your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift service needs, give us a call at 573-348-5073.