With the crazy amount of rainfall happening in the Dallas area, the lakes are perfect for all sorts of activities. I’m very grateful that I have a house approximately 1 mile from Lake Ray Hubbard so enjoying the beautiful lake lands high on my list of favorite activities.
Being on the water always results in a good time, whether it be a relaxing ride on the boat taking in the sunset or fun filled afternoon with friends riding on tubes and enjoying a few drinks. One of the keys to having a great day on the lake is being prepared. Here are a few tips to help make your day a fun one.
Check your boat before getting on the water. Millions of boaters will be taking their boats out of winter storage and putting them in the water for the first time all season. For many boaters, annual preparation and cleaning projects are necessary rites of spring that help prevent problems that could keep them off the water once the season is underway.
Make a float plan. No matter how experienced you are on the boat, always let a family member or someone staying on shore exactly where you are going and when you plan to return. Discover Boating suggests you provide the following information:
- name, address, and phone number of trip leader
- name and phone number of all passengers
- boat type and registration information
- trip itinerary
- types of communication and signal equipment onboard, such as an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
Have a designated assistant skipper. It’s always great being the captain of the boat but it is crucial that you have someone else on board who can help you with any tasks that are needed.
For more tips about boating and safety, check out Discover Boating. They are a national, nonprofit program on behalf of the US recreational boating industry aimed to help people get on the water to experience the fun of boating. For those looking to get their feet wet, Discover Boating is an unbiased online resource packed with easy, interactive features on all things boating, including a boat selector tool, get on the water tab where you can find rentals, classes and charters, cost comparison tool, renting options, youth boating programs, education courses – even nautical lingo and how-to videos.
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