Winter Boating Tips

Boating in the winter months may seem like a far fetched idea, but some of the best fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks takes place during the winter months! And sometimes a nice day comes around and may have you itching to get out on the water. Our Lake of the Ozarks boat lift company knows how important it is to have a reliable lift to get your boat in and out of the water with ease. We also understand it can be tricky, especially in the winter months with shallow cove conditions. Summerset Boat Lifts can help by building a custom lift to meet your unique boating needs. As it's a popular time for fishing, we want to point out some boating safety tips you should keep top of mind this time of year.

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

Always wear a life jacket.

While this is not required by law for adults, it's a good idea to wear a life jacket when you are on or near water, especially in the winter months. Falling into the water when temperatures are freezing can quickly send your body into shock, making it difficult to even breathe. It can also be very difficult to move your arms and legs to swim to safety.

Check the weather.

Winter weather can change within a few hours. It's best to keep an eye on the weather before and during your outing. This can help you better identify a time to safely return to shore. If the weather looks like it's going to take a turn for the worse, make your way to safety. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to winter storms on the water.

Share your plans.

Always let someone on land know your plans for the day. Whether you're going down to the dock for an hour or out on the water for a day, ensure your plans are known. it's also a good idea to ensure your contact persona knows your route for the day. If for some reason you don't make it back to shore at the designated time, it can be beneficial to know a location in which someone can start to search. It can also cut down on the time it takes for someone to find you if you are in need of help.

Be aware of other boaters.

While there are fewer and fewer boaters out on the lake during the winter months, it's still important to be aware of what's going on around you. You may have let your guard down this time of year when there are not as many boaters but you should always be thinking about others on the water near you. The lake levels tend to change frequently in the winter months. Be aware of any shallow spots on your route and avoid them. If you are coming into what may be a shallow area, reduce speed immediately.

Dress in layers.

Layers make it easy to remove some clothing if needed. This can also help keep some of your body heat in if it is cooler than you planned for. Dress warmer than the air temperatures calls for if you're spending time near the water. Many times the winter breeze and cool air off the water can make it feel even cooler than the air temp.

Now that you've gotten a refresher on winter water safety tips, you're ready to take to the lake. As the best boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know how important it is to get out on the water and do what you love. That's why were here to help ensure you can protect your fishing boat and have easy access to the water with a boat lift at the Lake of the Ozarks! Contact us to learn more about our lifts and how we can help you find the exact lift for your boating needs.

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Like Our Facebook Page

Connect with us on LinkedIn