These times are, without any doubt, difficult times for everyone. We are going through an unprecedented crisis. I’m 40 years old, and at least I can say that this is the first time in my life going through something like this.
Leaving in Florida, I regularly see people on the road pulling their boats, probably coming or going to the water. All of the beaches and a lot of businesses are closed, but people are still boating. This got me thinking, should we be out boating while social distancing is in effect?
So I have been researching the topic (like everyone else) and want to share with you what I have learned. Please understand that I’m not an expert on the field, I’m just a concerned person with a lot of questions.
So are you safe on the water? Well, the answer is yes and no. Unfortunately, there is not a straight answer to this question. It depends on a lot of factors like where you go, how close you are from other boaters, and how busy the boat ramp is, Just to name a few. Whether you decide to go out on your boat or not, the goal is to try to stay as safe as possible and limit exposure.
Safety Tips
- Keep your distance in the boat ramp- The ramp could be one of the places where you could be exposed to the virus because other boaters are launching or pulling their boats from the water. Be cautious and avoid getting too close to other boaters, if you have to wait a couple of minutes for the ramp to clear up, please do so. Avoid using the facilities, but if you have to, please follow all recommendations and wash your hands thoroughly.
- Bring your food- A lot of the dockside restaurants are closed, and the ones that are not are only taking orders and bringing the food to your boat. Kind of like a water drive-thru. This might be safe, but bringing your food and snacks with you will be the safest option. This way, you can stay away from people and avoid possible exposure.
- Make sure the boat is in optimal condition- The last thing you want to deal with in this type of situation is a broken boat. Although you can still probably find help, it will be more difficult than usual, and you can expect it to get worst. Sudden malfunction or an accident can always happen, but let’s do everything you can to avoid them. If you do have to get help, follow all safety and health recommendations to minimize exposure.
- Bring water- I’m talking about freshwater, which is indispensable to keep you and your crew hydrated. You can also use this water to wash your hands or other body parts. Remember that it is essential to take all necessary precautions, and keeping everything clean is one of them.
- Cleaning supplies- Bring everything you need to keep all surfaces disinfected and as clean as possible. Also, besides keeping a clean boat, bring everything you need to keep you and your crew clean and sanitized. Bring stuff like:
– Disinfectant wipes
-Toilet paper
– hand sanitizer
– paper towels
- Avoid crowds- The whole point of social distancing is to stay away from people. This doesn’t mean that you have to be by yourself on a deserted island, but neither it means to go to your favorite sand bar and mix and mingle with everybody else. Use common sense and keep a fare distance from other people. If your favorite sand bar is too crowded, keep on boating until you find a less crowded area.
- Crew- Try to limit your crew (the people you bring on your boat) to the people that leave with you, in most cases, your family. Again this is not the time to invite all your buddies and have a party. It is about getting out, enjoy nature while being responsible, and keep that social distancing.
- Call ahead- Eather go online or make a phone call and verify that your boat ramp of choice is actually open. All boat ramps on state parks are closed as well as some privet ramps. Some counties and stales are in lockdown, before you load everything and go out, make sure you are not going to waste your time and have to turn around.
- Gas station- Right now, this is one of the more likely places you can get infected. There are hundreds if not thousands of people going to the gas station daily. Who knows who you might run in to or who touched the fuel nozzle just before you. Practice caution when going to the gas station, pay at the pump if you can, and wipe the fuel nozzle and keypad before touching it.
The most important thing you can do is to try to stay safe and healthy for you and for your family. If you are fortunate enough to own a boat, please take advantage of it and try to enjoy life. There is plenty of room on the water; just take your safety precautions and also practice common sense.