Precautions to Take When Boating During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The novel coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19, has dramatically changed our everyday lives over the past several months. It can be challenging to figure out ways to still spend quality time with your family and enjoy recreational pursuits under the restrictions in place that are intended to promote health and safety. 

One relatively safe hobby that can still be practiced is boating, provided you are cautious and judicious when it comes to following the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Germaine Marine, with locations in Utah and Arizona, is your local boat dealer. Here are the precautions we recommend that you take in order to practice safe boating during the pandemic.

Can You Boat & Practice Social Distancing?

Broadly, yes. You’ll need to make sure that your boating party consists of only your quarantine bubble, which is most likely the people you already live and share space with. Inviting outside guests is not recommended at this time because boats do not provide enough room for everyone to space out sufficiently.

You will also need to be mindful of how you get to your boating destination and what you do when you get there. Try to pack everything you’ll need at home so you can avoid unnecessary stops along the way. When you arrive at the boat launch, have everyone in your party put on their face masks and remain at least six feet away from other people.

Do not meet up with fellow boaters or spend time in clusters at the dock, as tempting as socializing might be. Also, if any one member of your party shows symptoms of or has recently tested positive for the coronavirus, it is best if you all stay home and quarantine for at least 14 days and get in touch with your general practitioner. 

Symptoms of coronavirus include a cough, fever, malaise, body aches, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and a loss of your sense of taste or smell. Remember that many people are asymptomatic and may unwittingly spread the virus if they have been exposed to it recently.

How Do I Keep Myself & My Passengers Safe?

There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of any member of your boating party contracting the coronavirus, and you’ve likely already practiced these things when going to the grocery store and performing other everyday activities:

• Wear close-fitting, two-layered cotton or surgical face masks over your nose and mouth to reduce the risk of respiratory droplets entering the air. When you and your party have pushed away from shore and are far enough out in the water, you may remove your masks safely, but you must put them on once again as you approach the dock.
• Carry a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethanol content and use it liberally after touching any shared surfaces such as fuel pumps or gates. Whenever possible, wash your hands as soon as you can with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Bring a container of bleach wipes to wipe down high-touch surfaces on your boat.
• Remain at least six feet away from other people who are not in your boating party.
• Spend as little time indoors with others as possible and try to avoid crowds.

Where Can I Boat?

Many places have recently lifted restrictions on boating, but every state and city will have its own rules about where you can go. It’s a smart move to check the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services website or state park websites to see what closures may be taking place where you plan to boat. Try to avoid boating at peak times or during holidays, when more people may be out on the water.

We hope this guide helps you and your fellow passengers to practice safe boating during the pandemic. If you’re in search of a new boat, browse our inventory of new and used boats via our website before heading into one of our dealership locations. Germaine Marine proudly serves the states of Utah and Arizona.