Boating Restrictions During COVID-19
Now, as ever, practicing good safety protocols when boating is crucial. But one new development in boating safety during 2020 has been COVID-19 or the novel coronavirus, which was declared a global pandemic in March of this year. As a boater, you may be wondering whether boating is a safe activity that follows the recommended social distancing guidelines set out by the CDC and other health organizations, both here in the United States and internationally.
As your New York boat dealer, Yankee Boating Company in Lake George is here to answer any questions you may have and to help you practice good boating safety regarding COVID-19. Below, you’ll find the answers to some of the most common questions that boaters have about going out on the water during the pandemic.
Is Boating Safe Regarding Social Distancing?
In brief, yes. Going out on the water in your own boat is a fairly safe activity, provided you wear masks when around people at the boat launch and follow social distancing protocols. Once you’ve shoved off from shore, you should be sufficiently far from other people in an outdoor environment to rest easy.
However, there are some essential nuances you’ll want to be aware of. For example, you need to limit who you permit to board your boat with you. Right now, a big pontoon boat party with your best college friends is a terrible idea. Limit your passenger list to your immediate family or cohabitors (roommates or live-in significant others) and no one else.
It should go without saying, but if you or any of your passengers have COVID-19 symptoms such as a fever, cough or malaise, you should stay home, self-quarantine and get in touch with your doctor about testing.
When you’re at the dock or the marina, distance yourself as much as possible from other boaters and their passengers. Wait farther away if you need to in order to maintain a minimum 6’ distance. It is highly recommended that you and all of your passengers wear face masks to cover your mouth and nose as you leave your cars and launch your boat; you may remove them once you’re out on the water and sufficiently far from shore and other boaters.
Do not raft up or meet on a beach with other boaters, and do not linger talking to other people at the dock. Of course you long to socialize and be friendly, but now is the time to limit your proximity to other people.
When you touch anything that another person may have touched before you, such as a gate lock or a fuel pump, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content or wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.
Pack up your boat and its supplies at your home. Make sure that you’ve done any grocery shopping or other errands you’ll need to do because you don’t want to do them on the way.
Where Can I Go Boating?
Each state will have its own rules when it comes to permitting when and where you may launch your boat right now. Some states have looser restrictions than others; it is wise to err on the side of caution in these instances, as the infection is still extremely prevalent across the nation.
You may check with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to see what closures exist in your area. Here in New York State, Governor Cuomo has signed an “Essential Business” executive order that permits the reopening of marinas, boatyards and boat repair facilities, provided they follow strict social distancing and sanitization protocols. Currently, no rentals are permitted, so you must have your own craft.
Marina and boat launch sites are open throughout the state where conditions permit it, but you may need to call the state park or other administrative headquarters for a certain area. State parks are currently open with waived entrance fees and proper precautions in place, such as wearing a mask. If you plan to fish, you’ll want to ensure that the refuge or hatchery is open before you leave your home.
Can I Get Towing Assistance?
A common worry for many boaters is that their boat or motor may malfunction on the water. Fortunately, even during this crisis, many towing fleets are in operation and are capable of responding to distress calls. Search and Rescue personnel also remain active, along with the United States Coast Guard. However, it’s wise to check in advance before you take your boat out to make sure that you can get this assistance. You should also take the time to thoroughly inspect your boat and perform any routine maintenance to ensure that a malfunction is unlikely.
How Can I Disinfect My Boat?
If you’re feeling extremely cautious, you may wish to thoroughly disinfect your boat before and after you host passengers on it. Use EPA-approved disinfectants to clean, but be aware that canvas and vinyl can be damaged by bleach if it’s left on too long. Try to rinse your boat thoroughly after using these chemicals. Wipe down high-touch surfaces like controls with bleach as well, being careful not to harm any of your boat’s electronics. Make sure that your passengers bag up any trash and take all personal belongings with them to avoid contamination.
We hope this guide has helped to assuage your worries about boating during the COVID-19 crisis. If you’re in search of a boat, browse our website to see our full selection of new and used boats for sale at our Lake George showroom and our Thousand Islands sales center. You can also get in touch with our service department if your boat needs maintenance. Yankee Boating Center proudly serves the city of Clayton, NY.