Tips for Pontoon Boat Safety
Pontoons provide a lot more fun than just about any other boat you’ll find. They’re a great place to throw a party with friends, plus they’re an ideal platform for fishing, and with some models, you can even water ski, wakeboard, or inner tube behind them.
As with any boat, pontoons present some hazards to anyone on board. When it’s easy to have so much fun on a pontoon, it’s also easy to overlook the best safety practices. We have created this short guide to offer our top tips on what to keep in mind while you’re out on the water. If you’ve any questions or if you’re interested in checking out some quality pontoon boats for sale, give us a call or visit The Ski Shack at one of our locations in Springfield, Branson, or Shell Knob, Missouri.
Local Restrictions
It’s important to remember that every state and many individual bodies of water have regulations governing boating. Make sure you familiarize yourself with all local regulations before you head out. In most areas, drinking and boating is a crime similar to drinking and driving, so just leave the alcohol on the shore. There are even laws governing boats crossing state lines so you will probably need a specific boating permit.
Safety Equipment
Make sure you bring all the necessary safety equipment on your next trip. The most important piece of safety equipment to have in your pontoon boat is a life jacket. Every person on board should have a well-fitting life jacket that must be worn at all times when the boat is in motion. If you plan on bringing your dog along, consider getting your dog a life jacket, too.
Another helpful piece of safety equipment you should carry is a fire extinguisher. Whether you have an engine fire or an accident, you’ll want to make sure you have some way to keep your vessel from going up in flames. Anchors are also handy since they prevent you from being pulled too far out in case your engine fails. You should remember that in case of an emergency, your boat needs to have a horn that can be heard from half a mile away.
Carrying standard emergency supplies isn’t a bad idea either. A good emergency kit can include things like signal flares, space blankets, first-aid supplies, and some emergency food and water.
Watch the Weather
Always keep an eye on the weather when you’re boating and check the forecast before you go. It’s best to cancel the trip if any inclement weather is predicted. Pontoon boats aren’t necessarily well-suited for dealing with large waves, so even a bad wind storm could prove dangerous. Weather, especially in the case of large bodies of water, can change at a moment’s notice. Don’t try to brave the storm. It’s always better to head back to safety and go back out if the weather improves.
Keep the Party in Check
Pontoon boats are immensely popular for hosting parties. Remember that following the best safety practices becomes even more important when you’re out on the water as compared to when you’re on the land. Make sure that all passengers are wearing their life jackets and everyone should stay away from drugs and alcohol.
Pontoon boats are great for parties and having fun on the water, but make sure you also keep safety in mind. We hope this guide is helpful and if you follow these tips, you can enjoy your trip without any worry. For more information, or if you would like to check out our selection of pontoons for sale, visit The Ski Shack at one of our locations in Springfield, Branson, or Shell Knob, MO. We welcome all our friends coming from Nexa, so get in touch with us today!