The Bay Area Houston Region is the Boating Capital of Texas. It’s a privilege to be able to enjoy these awesome waterways!
As Houston’s premier builder of high-quality custom docks, we want to make sure everyone has a safe and happy boating season. With weather warming up the waterways are about to get a lot more crowded.
Here are some essential boating safety tips that you should observe throughout the season.
Check These Items Before Departing
Just as pilots need to do a pre-flight check, aspiring skippers should be doing a pre-boat check.
- Check local weather forecasts and tides. Houston is prone to severe weather that can spring up suddenly. Some of these storms do incredible damage even before you start thinking about hurricane season. You don’t want to be trapped in a boat when trouble arises. Check for navigation warnings or hazards. Use a Marine Navigation app rather than a standard weather app to get the best results.
- Check your fuel levels. It is no fun to be stranded in the middle of a lake or a river without any fuel!
- Check your engine. Make sure it’s functional and in good condition.
- Check your battery. Make sure the battery is charged and the contacts are cleaned.
- Make sure your boat has all the relevant safety equipment such as life jackets, flares, and fire extinguishers.
- Make sure all of your navigation lights and communication devices are operable.
- Make sure you know how to respond to emergencies and have a plan. Review ways to signal for help, and make sure you have tools such as flags, lights, and radios that can help you do so.
Create a Float Plan
Obey the Rules of the Water Road
Waterways have navigation rules and safe speed laws just like roadways do. Brush up on your boating laws before you hit the water.
Remember, if you were born on or after September 1, 1993, you must complete a Boater Education course to operate any boat with a horsepower rating of more than 15 hp.
The number one rule to remember: never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You vastly increase the risk of accidents and could open yourself up to legal repercussions. Avoid cellphone use while navigating your boat.
Know Your Waterways
There are many types of waterways in the Houston area, each presenting different challenges. Some even operate under local laws and ordinances. Look up the waterway where you’ll be boating and make sure you know what to expect.
Build a Safe Dock
Once you’ve had a fun, safe day on the water, you need a safe harbor to return to. That’s where we come in.
At DreamBoat Docks, we custom build gorgeous, high-quality docks designed to survive and thrive in Houston weather and soil conditions. We also build boat lifts that keep your boat high and dry whenever you’re not using yours.
Ready to get started? Contact us for a free quote today!
