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Tips to Prepare for a Safe Pontoon Boat Ride

Sep. 14 2021 Safety By Club Royale

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Pontoon trips are ideal for creating fun memories with your family and friends. You can use your vessel for cruising around your favorite spots, socializing with your friends, or towing a friend on a wakeboard. However, to keep your family secure on the water, you’ll need to think about safety ahead of time. That’s why our experts at Club Royale have created this guide to highlight a few best practices for staying safe on a pontoon boat. If you need more ideas or want to upgrade your vessel before your outing, visit us in Waterford, MI, where we happily welcome our friends from Rochester.

Prepare to Tow Your Pontoon Safely

The first thing you’ll need to do is successfully tow your pontoon to the water. Make sure your tow vehicle and boat trailer are up for the job. Check the air pressure on every tire and ensure it is at the level the manufacturer recommends. You’ll also want to look for signs of damage or worn-out tread.

Additionally, double-check that your tow trailer is connected to your tow vehicle and that your boat is properly secured to the trailer. Before you hit the road, secure every item inside your vessel by tying down your cushions, life jackets, and any other belongings that can get tossed off on the road.

Take Stock of Your Safety Equipment

Ideally, you must check your safety equipment before each trip. This will make sure your devices are in good condition and capable of protecting you if a situation arises.

  • Make sure every member has a well-fitting life jacket.
  • Check to see that your fire extinguishers are up to date.
  • Inspect your first aid kit and replace any missing items or expired medications.
  • Confirm that there are visual distress signals on your pontoon boat, such as emergency flares or brightly colored flags.
  • Make sure you have an anchor and a line to help avoid drifting away if your vessel’s engine fails. You can drop your anchor to make it easy for rescue crews to find you.

Check the Weather Forecast

To enjoy a safe and memorable boating experience, you’ll want to check the weather forecast before you leave the docks. Stay on the shore if inclement weather is predicted or at least delay it by a few hours. You’ll also need to ensure that:

  • Every member has dressed appropriately.
  • There are extra blankets on board to keep everyone cozy.
  • You have sufficient sunscreen to keep you protected from sunburns.
  • You have waterproof gear, such as a hat or waterproof jacket, to protect you from the rain.

Get Your Passengers Ready for the Ride

Now it’s time to prepare your passengers for the ride. Make sure that:

  • Each passenger is aware of boat riding safety practices.
  • Every member puts on their life jacket before stepping onto the vessel and keeps life jackets on until they exit the boat.
  • You review the safety rules with your kids and encourage them not to run around on the boat.

We hope these tips help you stay safe on the water. If you need more information or are still in the market for a new boat, visit Club Royale in Waterford, MI, where we proudly serve those from Rochester.