Before you take your pontoon boat out on the water, you’ll want to prepare for a fun and safe voyage. As the old saying goes, an ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure and that applies here, too. A little proactivity can make a big impact in keeping your family safe on the water. We’ve created the following guide to pontoon boat safety below. If you have questions or want to explore pontoons for sale, head over to Norfolk Marine. Our dealership is based in Norfolk, Virginia, and we also serve those in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.

1. Prepare for Safe Pontoon Boat Towing

The first step in a successful voyage is successfully towing your pontoon boat to the water. Make sure your tow vehicle and boat trailer are up for the job.

2. Prepare Your Safety Equipment

Next, you want to make sure all of your safety equipment is in good condition. Some of these steps you will only need to do at the start of the boating season, while others you should do before each trip.

3. Prepare for the Weather

Always look up the weather forecast before you take a pontoon boat ride. If there is going to be a storm or other adverse weather, stay on the shore. If the weather is suitable for a pontoon boat ride, make sure every passenger is dressed appropriately. If there is a chance of rain, check that passengers have a waterproof jacket with a hood or hat. If it’s going to be sunny, make sure you have extra sunscreen. Remember that once you get moving, it can feel much colder on the pontoon boat than the weather forecasts. Pack along extra blankets to keep everyone cozy.

4. Prepare Your Passengers

Finally, make sure everyone who comes aboard your pontoon boat is aware of safe boat riding practices, such as:

If you are boating with kids, it may help to review the safety rules before the first few trips until they become a habit.

We hope you found this pontoon boat safety guide useful! If you want more information or need to get your pontoon boat serviced before your trip, visit the experts at Norfolk Marine. We can help you with whatever you need, from giving you advice to replacing work out or broken parts on your pontoon boat. You’ll find us in Norfolk, Virginia, and we also serve those in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.