Boating Safety Guide

Boating accidents can have serious long-term consequences for you, your passengers, and anyone caught up in the mix. As such, boat owners have a responsibility to be as safe as possible while out on the water. Luckily, these tips from Team Winnebagoland Marine Center can help you keep yourself and others safe.

Know the Laws

It is very important that you know what local and state laws/regulations apply to the area in which you plan to boat, and that you follow them at all times. Not following these rules can have serious consequences, both in legal terms and in safety terms. If you are not sure what rules apply, consult local authorities for advice.

Operate With Care

The right behaviors can go a long way toward keeping you and your passengers safe while out on your boat. If other boaters are present, give them plenty of space and make sure that they understand how you intend to move. Give them a signal if necessary. If you see any swimmers, give them plenty of space and do not intrude on their designated areas. Pay attention to any signs, markers, and buoys marking out where it is and where it isn’t safe to operate your vessel.

Drugs and alcohol decrease reaction time and make you more likely to engage in risky behavior. For these reasons, you should never operate a boat while under the influence.

Maintain Your Boat

If responsible behavior is one-half of boat safety, the other half is proper maintenance. Basic maintenance tasks like changing the oil, cleaning the deck, and inspecting the battery can help you detect mechanical problems while they are still fairly easy to handle. This, in turn, makes it less likely that your boat will experience an accident due to mechanical failure. As a bonus, it will also help your boat perform better overall.

For more information or to shop new and pre-owned boats, visit Team Winnebagoland Marine Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. We also offer parts, servicing, and financing. We welcome guests from all over, including nearby communities like Appleton, Wisconsin. We hope that you’ll come visit us soon!