5 Boat Dock Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

Spring has sprung and summer will be here before you know it! With boating season quickly approaching, we wanted to remind you how to keep yourself and your family safe on your dock. Summerset Boat Lifts wishes nothing more than for you to have fun and safe boating experiences this season - and that all starts with your dock. Keep reading for some safety tips to keep in mind.

1. Test Your GFCIs. 

All docks are required to have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). This measures a circuit's current and senses any imbalance (such as a discharge into the water), which then trips the GFCI and cuts off the power. It's important that you test your GFCIs regularly to ensure they are working properly.

2. Conduct Electrical Inspections. 

In addition to testing your GFCI, you want to check all electrical connections on your dock. Make sure any lighting on your dock is working properly, as well as any entertainment equipment. Check al the wiring for corrosion, breaks and shots. You'll want to have a certified electrician examine everything at least twice per year to ensure your safety.

3. Watch Out for Ropes, String and Rigging. 

Passersby can easily get tangled up in ropes and strings if not careful. When on a dock, always be aware of your surroundings. These items can also conduct electricity, so if they are exposed to nearby outlets, they can shock you.

4. Never Let Children on the Dock Unsupervised. 

Children should never be left on a dock unattended. There are too many things that can go wrong, from slipping and falling into the water to getting electrocuted. For young children, you should ensure they have a life jacket on before nearing the dock. Also, make no running on the dock a rule for everyone to follow.

5. Clear Any Debris and Check for Damage. 

Make sure that your dock is clear of any debris and personal items. You don't want anything blocking the walkways that could cause someone to trip and fall into the water. If your dock has debris from winter storms, be sure to check for damage as well after you've cleaned up the debris. Inspect the entire dock structure to ensure there are no weak spots or places that could be dangerous in other ways. Look for any areas that are splintering, any nails that might be sticking up, and mold or moss that could be slippery, etc.

After ensuring your dock is safe, you'll want to do the same for your boat lift. If you haven't already, now's the time to schedule your spring boat lift service at the Lake of the Ozarks with us. Give us a call at 573-348-5073 for all your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift needs!

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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