Summerset Boat Lifts: boating tips

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Must-Have Items as You Hit the Water this Spring

Boating is an acceptable activity while practicing social distancing. Our Lake of the Ozarks boat lift company is sure you're starting to look for unique ways to stay entertained during the COVID-19 crisis. Even if you're still working due to being an essential employee, you're likely eager to find ways to relax when you're not at work. Boating is one of the most fun and entertaining ways to pass the time. Summerset Boat Lifts is here with a helpful check list of must-have items when you head out on the water this spring.

Photo Credit: Fun Lake

Required:

Life Jackets
Not only for your own safety, but also to follow state law, you need to have enough life jackets on board for everyone. According to Missouri state law, children under the age of seven are required to wear a life jacket at all times while on board a watercraft, unless they're down in the cabin. You are also legally required to have a throwable flotation device on board at all times.

Boating Registration and License
Make sure your boat registration is current. It's important that you're following state laws while operating your watercraft. If you were born after 1984, a boating license is required by law. Ensure you've taken and passed the boaters safety course and have needed license to prove so.

Fire Extinguisher
All boats are required to have a fire extinguisher on board. Ensure your extinguisher is in good working order and up to date with boating regulations. Also ensure everyone on board knows where it is located, if someone needs to access it in a hurry.

Encouraged:

First Aid Kit
It's important to have a well-stocked first aid kit can help make sure you can address incidents, everything from small nicks and cuts to sea sickness. You can either buy a kit or make your own that includes gauze, band-aids, scissors, latex gloves, cotton balls, antiseptic lotion, pain relievers and tweezers. This should handle the majority of minor injuries that may take place. If something is more serious, ensure the injured person gets medical attention immediately.

Food and Water
One of the most important things about being out on the water is staying hydrated. Make sure you bring enough bottled water for everyone on board. Depending on how long you're planning on being out on the Lake, you should also bring lunch or at least some snacks. It can be easy to get caught up in a day out on the water but it's important to stay nourished.

Sun Protection
If you're spending any amount of time outside, it's important to apply sunscreen. Even if it's cloudy outside, some of the worst burns can happen when it's overcast. Have plenty of sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 on board for your boating crew. If you have small children, a 50 SPF or higher is recommended.

Now's the perfect time to prepare your boat for the upcoming season. Boating may be the only getaway you and your family can experience while practicing social distancing. Whether you're getting to-go orders from waterfront restaurants, cruising down the lake on a beautiful day, or trying to reel in the big one, boating is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors right now! As you're preparing your boat for the busy season ahead, ensure your boat lift at the Lake of the Ozarks is in good working order. Our team can come perform boat lift maintenance on your lift.

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO 65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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Friday, June 9, 2017

5 Boating Tips to Keep You Safe on the Water This Summer

There's nothing better than cruising around the Lake on your boat under the summer sun! Boating season is well underway at the Lake of the Ozarks. Stay safe on the water this summer by keeping these boating tips from Summerset Boat Lifts in mind:

1. Don't Overload Your Boat.

While we want everyone to have a good time, boats have capacity limits for a reason. You get too much weight on a watercraft and it could sink. You also don't want anyone accidentally getting knocked overboard because the boat is too crowded. Be sure to check the capacity number of your boat or your rental boat before inviting people aboard. If you have too many people in your party, take turns boating while the rest of the group stays at the dock swimming, etc.

2. Maintain a Safe Speed.

The Lake of the Ozarks can get pretty busy with boats in the summer months, especially on holiday weekends. Be sure to cruise at a safe speed and always be aware of your surroundings. Not only do you want to keep everyone in your boat safe, you also don't want to risk hitting anyone else on the water. Unless you're participating in an actual boat race, like Lake Race or the Shootout, try slowing down.

3. Watch the Weather.

One thing that's extremely unpredictable is the weather. You don't want to get caught far away from home on your boat when a storm rolls in. Look up the weather before heading out, even if it seems like a nice, sunny day. If a storm is expected, don't venture too far from your dock. You don't want to be out on the water during a storm.

4. Ensure Personal Flotation Devices are On Board.

Before departing for the day, make sure that each person on board has a PFD that fits properly. Not only is it a safe boating practice, but it's required by law to have them on board. In addition, children must wear them at all times while on board a watercraft. Be sure to also have a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, marine radio and other safety equipment on board.

5. Avoid Drinking Alcohol and Driving.

Just like with cars, drinking and driving don't mix! Be sure that if you're going to be drinking alcohol on the boat, you have a designated driver. You also want to make sure to limit the alcohol intake of those on board; you want to make sure everyone stays safe. You don't want anyone stumbling overboard or getting sick on the boat. The heat from the summer sun also increases the affects of alcohol. Be smart!

Summerset Boat Lifts wants you to be safe on the water this summer! When it comes to your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift needs, we're here to help. From boat lift sales to the repair and maintenance of them, we've got your covered. Give us a call at 573-348-5073 for any boat lift related questions!