Pontoon Boat Safety Tips

Pontoon boats are known for providing plenty of fun on the water, but just because you’re having fun doesn’t mean you should drop your guard. As with any other boat, pontoons present several hazards to anyone on board. These vessels can hold more people than many other styles of boats, so the potential danger is even greater. Here at White’s Marine Center, we want our customers to stay safe! That’s why we’ve created this brief guide to pontoon boat safety. If you need any parts or maintenance for your craft, stop by our dealership in Pittsburg, Missouri.

Prepare Yourself

Before you head out on the water, make sure you’re fully prepared. Get all your safety equipment together and test them to make sure they work properly. Every pontoon should have at least one or two fire extinguishers that are regularly serviced. An electrical fire or gas fire can spread much more quickly than you might imagine. Next, make sure you have a set of emergency supplies. This should include flares, a GPS beacon, a first aid kit, freshwater, and a space blanket. You also need at least one lifejacket for every person on the boat. People might be tempted not to wear them, but these are very important, especially for anyone who’s not a good swimmer.

Make sure to tell someone on the shore about your plans, too. If anything happens, this will allow them to point emergency services in the right direction.

Watch the Weather 

Always keep an eye on the weather when you’re boating and check the forecast before you head out. It’s best to cancel the trip if any inclement weather is predicted. Not only will rain showers ruin your trip, but bad weather can also lead to tricky situations. Imagine being caught under a lightning storm. It’s always better to head back to safety and go back out if the weather improves. 

Stay in Smooth Water

Pontoon hulls are designed to handle warm afternoons on lakes and rivers, not the choppy waters of the open ocean that can be very dangerous. In fact, giant waves created by strong winds can overturn your boat in no time.

Take Care of the Party

Pontoon boats are a great place to throw a party with friends and family. They have a lot of deck space to move around, and they can take the party anywhere the waterline allows. But the problems start when the party gets out of control. Out on the water, your party might attract the attention of other boaters who want to join in on the fun. But be careful not to let too many people aboard. Pontoon boats can quickly get overloaded, and in some extreme circumstances, this can lead to the boat overturning.

Follow the Law

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 go. In many states, laws for drinking and operating a boat are similar to those associated with drinking and driving a car, 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.

If you follow these pontoon boat safety tips, you’ll be in good shape to have a safe and fun experience. If you need service or repairs for your vessel, our friendly staff at White’s Marine Center in Pittsburg, MO, is here to help you out! Don’t forget that you can always visit us to take a look at the latest and best pontoon models for sale. We proudly serve all our friends in Kansas City and Springfield.