Many boaters at the Lake of the Ozarks spend time on their docks. From soaking up the sun by the water to floating in the water on a warm day to boarding your boat, there are many times you'll find yourself hanging out on your dock. While Summerset Boat Lifts knows your dock is a place for great times to be had, it's also a potentially dangerous place to spend time. Our boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to provide some safety tips for spending time around your dock.
1. Ensure Kids Wear Life Jackets
Kids should always wear a life jacket when on the dock. Even if the children don't plan on swimming, a life jacket can keep them afloat, should a child fall in the water by accident. Kids can be unpredictable at times and may not be the most stable walkers on a moving dock so it is best to keep a life jacket on any kiddos that are on your dock.
2. Keep Walkways Clear
Ensure your main walkways are clear of clutter to avoid a dangerous tripping hazard. Encourage your guests to store loose items out of the heavy foot traffic spots on your dock to make it a safer place for everyone to navigate. If you have a spot on your dock that is slick when it gets wet, keep it cleaned off and dry to avoid any slips in that location. Also, warn dock attendees about any dangerous spots and remind them to watch their step in those locations.
3. Don't Lean Over the Edge of the Dock
Avoid leaning over the edge of your dock. We understand this can be tricky if you are working on something on your dock or if you're cleaning your boat. If you need to lean over the water while on the dock, have another person on your dock for safety reasons. If you happen to go over the edge, this other helper will be able to assist you in getting safely out of the water.
4. Offer Floatation Devices for All Swimmers
Encourage all swimmers to have some sort of floatation device handy, especially if there is alcohol involved in your lake day. Even strong swimmers can quickly become fatigued out in the summer sun all day. Whether it's a noodle, a floaty, or a life jacket, ensure all of the swimmers near your dock have a way to stay afloat in hand.
5. Only Walk on the Dock
Let all guests know that you would prefer no one run on the dock. Running can quickly cause a slip and fall. While this may cause an injury, it can also cause an even more dangerous situation if someone falls into the water by a boat lift or next to a boat. The underwater bracing of a boat lift can be hard to navigate, especially if you're not expecting it during a fall.
6. Know the Whereabouts of Dock Guests
Keep tabs on all of your guests as they are on your dock and/or swimming around it. Have a buddy system in place where each person has another person they are to keep tabs on. This ensures every person is safe while having a great time at your dock!
7. Avoid Swimming Next to Dock in Rough Water
Docks can be dangerous to be next to, especially if the water is rough in your location. A large wave can push you against the dock, or even worse, under it. Make sure you're swimming a safe distance away from your dock at all times. Encourage anyone who is jumping in the water to jump away from the dock, and not straight down, as well.
Take these simple steps to make your dock a safer place! As the best boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we want you and your crew to have a great time & enjoy making memories with your friends and family. We also want you to be safe while spending time on and around your dock! Start putting these safety tips into action today and you'll create a safer place for everyone on and around your boat dock!
