Basic Boat Safety Tips for Beginners

Whether you are water skiing, racing, or just doing a little fishing, there are so many ways to have fun on the water. However, all it takes to ruin a great day of boating is a preventable accident. If you own a boat, you’ve probably received some instruction on boat safety when you obtained your license. However, if you are going out on a friend’s boat or just need a refresher, this helpful guide put together by Gull Lake Marine South Haven can help keep accidents at bay (even if you’re in a lake or river). We are proud to be one of Michigan’s top boat dealers, and we’d love it if you visited us online or in person at our South Haven dealership.  

Many boating enthusiasts find themselves in hot water when they accidentally violate local boating laws and regulations. Luckily, you can always contact your local authorities to check that you are being fully compliant. Remember that the rules are there to keep you and those around you safe, so pay attention to them.

Whether you are a novice boater or an experienced captain, it is imperative that you act responsibly on the water. Always be considerate of your fellow boaters by doing things like alerting them before you overtake them. You should extend this courtesy to swimmers as well. Do not intrude on areas where swimmers are active and always give them plenty of space. Additionally, pay attention to any posted signage, markers, or buoys that can indicate where it is and isn’t safe to operate your vessel.

Another important rule is to never operate your vessel under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs. These substances can slow your reaction time and make you more likely to take risks. If an obstacle appears, a boater under the influence may not react appropriately or in time, jeopardizing their safety and the safety of their passengers.

It is highly recommended that you be proactive when it comes to boat maintenance. This will ensure that your outings are safe and stress free, with the helpful bonus of extending your vessel’s operational lifespan and maintaining performance.

Every once in a while you should change your boat’s oil, examine the battery, and clean the deck. Even if you’ve kept up on your maintenance tasks, make sure that you refuel your vessel before heading out on the water. No one wants to be stuck with a dead engine! As a last aside, watch out for hidden issues. Some things that appear to be fine for now will get worse over time, so fix them now if possible and contact a mechanic if necessary.

Once you familiarize yourself with these safety guidelines, you are ready to enjoy a lifetime of safe boating fun. For more information or to look at a selection of new and used boats, check out Gull Lake Marine South Haven. Our dealership is located in South Haven, a convenient distance from Saugatuck and Holland, Michigan.