Boat Safety Tips to Keep You & Your Passengers Safe This Season

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Soon you and your friends and family will spend your days out on your boat! Be sure safety is always at the forefront of your mind. As the best boat lift company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we want to ensure everyone’s safety. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind this boating season.

Boat Safety Kit

An emergency is almost never expected, so you need to prepare your boat with an emergency safety kit. Here are some items you’ll want to include:

  • Flashlight and extra batteries- These can help you see around your boat in the dark.
  • Tape- More specifically, duct tape. Duct tape can but used to close a hole temporarily.
  • Bucket- There is always a chance water can enter your boat, so it is wise to have a bucket handy.
  • First Aid Kit- A first aid kit with all the proper items it should include as well as knowledge of how to use those in an emergency.
  • Whistle- This is the recognized signal for help on the water. A waterproof whistle is a must!
  • Ropes- If someone were to fall in the water, a rope is helpful to pull them into the boat. Also used to secure your boat to the dock.
  • Mirror- A mirror or any other reflective object can also signal for help.
  • Garbage bags- If you don’t have a poncho, a garbage bag will suffice! Also helps with collecting garbage.
  • Fire extinguisher- It is always crucial to have this on board in case of a fire. Everyone on the boat should be aware of where this is located


  • Self-Illuminating Buoy- Powerful 4-Watt solar panel ensures all-night run times, check out Polylift Boat Lift self-illuminating buoy perfect for near your dock!
  • Life Jackets- This is self-explanatory, but a U.S. Coast Guard-approved jacket is the safest option.

Check the Water Beforehand

The ideal boating weather is warm and sunny… but a storm is always possible. So, check for signs of an approaching storm such as wind and choppy water. Even if the air is warm and inviting, the water can always signal otherwise.

Do Not Overload the Boat

Your boat has a capacity restriction for a reason, always keep to this number. Overloading a boat can lead to an unbalance craft.

Check for Harmful Fumes

Do not start the engine if you smell any fumes. Open and smell hatches before starting the engine. Carbon monoxide could accumulate and could knock anyone aboard unconscious. 
Other possible harmful fumes could accrue near poorly ventilated enclosures, closed spaces, blocked outlets, nearby boats, or when your engine is idling or slowly running. Always be familiar with your boat’s possible compromised areas.

Proper Anchor Procedures

Having the correct anchor is the bare minimum here. You should keep the wind from dragging your boat. It is possible two anchors are necessary to keep the boat from drifting. To prevent the tide from lifting the anchor, it may need to be dropped in deeper waters.

Follow Proper Docking Protocol

Docking can be challenging. Make sure bumpers are out and reduce the speed of the boat and that docking lines are secure. If the wind is blowing towards the shore, bring the boat around two feet from the dock and allow the wind to gently pull it. Secure with lines. If the wind is blowing away from the shore, approach the dock at a 20 or 30-degree angle to compensate for the wind. Secure bow line.

Take a Boating Safety Course

Did you know 70% of boating accidents are caused by operator error? Before you leave the dock, ensure you know the rules and responsibilities that come along with operating a vessel. There are free courses available online that vary by state. 

Get Your Boat Checked

There are free vessel safety checks offered by the U.S. Coast Guard. There is no charge, so it wouldn’t hurt to have it professionally evaluated. 


Prepare yourself and your passengers for boat safety! But accidents can happen at any time, so protect your vessel with boat insurance, as you would a vehicle.

Poly Lift Boat Lifts wishes you a happy & safe boating season!

Our staff has been responsible for several engineering advances within the boat lift industry!
www.PolyLift.com


Poly Lift® Sunrise Beach
17163 N. State Hwy. 5
Sunrise Beach, MO 65079
573-374-6545

Poly Lift® Osage Beach
3864 Osage Beach Pkwy
Osage Beach, MO 65065
573-693-9277



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Location: 17163 MO-5, Sunrise Beach, MO 65079, USA

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