Renting a houseboat is a fun way to vacation with family and friends. If you are new to houseboating, chances are you have some questions. At Forever Houseboats, we believe the two most important things to remember out on the water are to stay safe and have fun. Of course, when you’re on a houseboat with good company, fun happens naturally; safety, on the other hand, is necessary to keep those fun times last. Here are our top safe houseboating tips:
1. Know Your Onboard Safety Equipment
Lifejackets - Ensure that you have the appropriate size life jacket for everyone in your party. All children and non-swimmers should wear life jackets anytime they are in the water. Children 12 and under need to wear life jackets anytime they are outside the main cabin when docked and at all times when the boat is in motion.
Fire Extinguishers – All boats in our Forever Fleet come equipped with fire extinguishers in the unexpected case of onboard fire. Know where they are and how to use them so you can react quickly, if necessary.
2. Do Not Drink and Drive
Driving a houseboat when intoxicated is dangerous and against the law. In fact, it is illegal to operate any watercraft, such as jet skis, while intoxicated. Make sure you pick someone in your group to be your designated driver to operate the houseboat and keep everyone else safe until you anchor.
3. Take A Safe Boating Course
As part of our commitment to safety, we offer a $50 Safe Boating Discount to houseboat captains who earn a Safe Boating Course ID Card. To earn the card, complete a safe boating course, either in person or online, from your home state and mention your ID Card when booking your houseboat.
4. Watch Safe Boating Videos
The United States Coast Guard has compiled a wealth of resources for safe boating at RentalBoatSafety.com. The site is full of tips and information for general water safety. They even have a Houseboat Safety section for advice specifically tailored for houseboaters. We highly recommend reviewing them prior to your vacation.
With a little preparation, staying safe is as easy as having fun on a houseboat. Additionally, when you arrive to board your houseboat, our professional and knowledgeable marina staff will be happy to answer any remaining questions you may have during your orientation. For more information or to book your houseboat rental with Forever Houseboats, contact us today.