Sea Tow Shares Expert Tips to Consider Before Leaving the Dock

The beauty of South Florida is its proximity to the water, and most people have enjoyed water in activities in any shape or form, including being on a boat. With Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer, right around the corner, it is no surprise that many locals will be celebrating the holiday weekend on the water. One example is the "The Greatest Show Above the Earth," The Hyundai Air & Sea Show, which will captivate locals and tourists who visit Miami during Memorial Day weekend. Its show-stopping performances will happen in the waters of Miami Beach.

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The Safe Boating week (May 21-287) led by the National Safe Boating Council has also begun. The campaign aims to teach boaters and passengers how to stay safe while having fun on the water, including the importance of wearing a life jacket.

But because summertime brings an increase in boating activity, there is also an increased chance of accidents. Human error or a lack of training could be blamed for these situations. That is why boating safety and education are critical for lifesaving.

Sea Tow, known as Your Road Service at Sea® in the marine industry, anticipates another busy summer season on the water in 2022. Below we present you with the company's expert top ten tips for keeping boaters safe this summer to maintain the safety of the boating community it serves.

1. Have a checklist. Before leaving the dock, have a pre-departure checklist to review all critical systems (i.e.: engine check, battery levels, fuel levels, etc.).
2. Don’t solely rely on the fuel gauge. Boaters should keep a fuel log so they know how much fuel their boat uses, when they last filled up, how many hours the boat has run, and how much fuel is left.
3. Follow the rule of thirds. Be sure to have enough fuel to allow for: 1/3 of fuel to head to the destination, 1/3 of fuel to head back to the dock and 1/3 of fuel “just in case.”
4. Check the charts. Review the intended voyage plan and be aware of sandbars, shallow areas, channel and buoy locations, etc. so the boat doesn’t run aground, and there are no surprises.
5. Carry extra lines and fenders. Both are needed when rafting up with friends or when tying up at a waterfront restaurant.
6. Safety first. Boaters should inform passengers of their boat safety rules such as where life jackets are located and that they must remain seated while the boat is underway. This helps to avoid distracting the captain during the voyage.
7. Keep two anchors aboard. You never know when one might get away, so always have a spare and make sure it’s the appropriate size for the boat and where the hook will be dropped.
8. When in doubt, slow down or stop. Trying to figure things out while underway can often lead to hitting something or running aground.
9. Be courteous. Boaters should always watch their wake and wave when fellow boaters pass by. It’s one big community on the water, so be a good neighbor and be friendly!
10. Always have a backup plan. It’s often said “when the unexpected happens” because no one ever plans on needing help on the water. Having an on-water assistance membership with Sea Tow is guaranteed peace-of-mind that if anything happens out on the water, someone is standing by to come help.

“At Sea Tow, we are big advocates of getting out on the water and having fun, and we want boaters – new and salty – to do so confidently,” said Sea Tow President, Kristen Frohnhoefer. “Our captains are your resource on and off your boat, on and off the water. They know the local waters and can help with navigation assistance, tides and weather, anchorages and even mishap prevention tips. No one plans for something to go wrong on the water so it’s important to take the proper steps before you push off.”

Boaters who join Sea Tow pay a single annual fee and receive the most extensive membership benefits. Sea Tow has boats on the water and is available for assistance around the clock. Members get free local boat towing, unrestricted dock-to-dock towing on all boats, towing alternatives including battery jumps and fuel delivery, worldwide offshore coverage, and paid on-water services like boat salvage and recovery, a vessel for hire, and environmental response.

Since 1983, Sea Tow, also known as Your Road Service at Sea®, has been at the forefront of on-water assistance, with more than 500 ports around the United States, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. Captain Joseph Frohnhoefer coined the member-driven, franchise-based model in Southold, NY, when the US Coast Guard stopped responding to non-emergency help requests. The franchise network now handles salvage and recovery missions, natural disasters, environmental risks, and oil spill cleanups, in addition to on-water help.