Sea Tow® shares seven tips to prepare for a day on the water this boating season

Sea Tow® shares seven tips to prepare for a day on the water this boating season © Jeremy Frechette

As boating season goes to full throttle, Sea Tow®, recognized throughout the marine industry as Your Road Service at Sea®, predicts a busy season out on the water. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association's (NMMA) 2023 Economic Impact Study on Recreational Boating, there are an estimated 85 million Americans who go boating each year.

Summer is the perfect time to embark on a boating adventure and enjoy the beauty of the water. Whether it's a seasoned boater or someone new to the experience, proper preparation ensures a safe and enjoyable day on the boat. Sea Tow is sharing a step-by-step guide for boaters to prepare for a day out on the water.

• Check the Weather Forecast - Before heading out, always check the weather forecast for the day. Summer weather can be unpredictable, so boaters should ensure they're prepared for any changes in conditions. Avoid going out during storms or high winds, and plan accordingly based on the forecast.

• Prepare The Boat - Inspect the boat thoroughly before departure. Check the engine, fuel levels and overall condition of the vessel. Ensure all safety equipment such as life jackets, fire extinguishers and navigation lights are in good working order and readily accessible.

• Pack Essential Supplies - Gather essential supplies for a comfortable day on the water. This includes sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, towels, snacks and plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated under the sun. Bring appropriate clothing layers in case of temperature changes or unexpected weather.

• Plan The Itinerary - Decide on the route and destinations for the day. Whether boaters are fishing, cruising, or engaging in water sports, having a plan ensures they make the most of their time on the water. Boaters should familiarize themself with the area's navigational markers and potential hazards.

• Review Safety Procedures - Ensure everyone on board understands basic safety procedures and knows the location of safety equipment. Teach passengers how to wear and use life jackets properly. Assign designated roles such as a lookout or spotter if engaging in water activities. Designate a Sober Skipper for the day.

• Follow Local Regulations - Captains should familiarize themself with local boating regulations, including speed limits, no-wake zones and anchoring restrictions. Adhering to these rules ensures everyone's safety on board. Check out U.S. Coast Guard Boating to stay up to date on the boating regulations in the area.

• Consider On-Water Assistance Services - Have a backup plan and consider becoming a member of an on-water assistance provider, such as Sea Tow. These services provide assistance in case of dead batteries, mechanical breakdowns, fuel issues or other unexpected mishaps on the water.

"We want boaters to enjoy their time on the water and that starts with being prepared and knowledgeable of best practices," said Sea Tow President Kristen Frohnhoefer. "Sea Tow Captains are a boater's resource on and off their boat, and on and off the water. We're confident that these tips from Sea Tow captains will ensure a fun day on the water for all this summer."

At the forefront of on-water assistance since 1983, Sea Tow marked its 40th anniversary in business in 2023. In 500+ ports nationwide including the continental U.S., Alaska and Puerto Rico, Sea Tow is a member-driven, franchise-based business and technological innovation has been a large driver of its evolution and expansion. Having broken barriers in the industry, it is the premier provider of non-emergency on-water assistance, and also handles salvage and recovery services, response to catastrophic events and marine spill response. Sea Tow is Your Road Service at Sea®.

With a Sea Tow membership, boaters pay one annual rate of $249/year for Gold Card membership and $169/year for Lake Card membership and receive the most comprehensive on-water assistance services available. Sea Tow offers its members free boat towing in their home area, tow coverage to repair facilities on all covered vessels, alternatives to towing such as battery jumps, fuel delivery, covered ungroundings disentanglements and more, along with additional paid on-water services such as boat salvage and recovery, vessel for hire and environmental response.