Owning a boat dock is something of a luxury. It gives you easy access to the water, a place to store your boat, and a stunning waterfront view.
But boat docks, by virtue of being around the water, come with certain risks that can compromise your safety. You can easily slip on them and worse, fall into the water.
Navigating a boat dock can be trickier than it looks, and accidents can happen. But there are ways to navigate them safely. Let’s take a look.
Boat Dock Safety 101
Maintain Proper Lighting
A well-lit dock is very important from a safety perspective, especially during the evening or early morning hours when lighting is sparse.
Ensure your dock has adequate lighting, including post and step lights. When people can see where they’re going, they’re much less likely to trip or fall.
Non-Slip Surfaces
No matter how carefully you walk, slipping and falling when there’s water around is very easy. A non-slip surface will giveyou the grip you need to prevent this from happening, even on a wet floor.Having anti-slip coating or rubber mats in wet areas or places that don’t usually provide enough stability, such as stairs or ramps, can help. This can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
This is extremely important for floating docks, where you can easily lose your balance.
Regular Inspections
Sometimes, safety may be compromised because of hazards on the dock itself. For example, rusted hardware, deteriorating and loose boards, etc., can cause problems.
Regular inspections can help with this. By looking for problems, you can identify them when they’re still manageable, fix them, and thus prevent injuries and accidents.
Proper Dock Height
An easy thing to overlook is the height of the dock above water. If it’s too low, it can become submerged during high tides or heavy rain, making boat access dangerous.
It may pose a risk when getting on or off the vessel if it’s too high.
Of course, the best dock height will vary for people of different heights and statures, but finding the best middle ground for all users is essential.
Clear Pathways
Always keep the pathways on your dock clear of obstacles, clutter, and equipment. Having an unobstructed path from the boat to the shore can prevent accidents, which can result in injuries.
Secure Railings
You should also ensure sturdy and well-maintained railings on your dock. Ensure they are secure, in good condition, and at the appropriate height to prevent falls and offer adequate support.
Bumpers & Fenders
Boat bumpers and fenders don’t just protect your boat; they can also prevent damage to your dock. Fenders can protect the dock from boat impacts and reduce the risk of accidents during docking.
Emergency Equipment
Ensure all essential emergency equipment, such as life vests, lifebuoys, or first-aid kits, is easily accessible. Having these items readily available can be crucial in the event of an accident or emergency.
Boat Dock Safety should always be a top priority. A safe environment and a commitment to safety-conscious practices ensure your dock is safe for everyone.
Nor Col EZ Dock offers dock-building services for the best types of docks, EZ Dock. They also provide accessories that allow you to expand your floating dock and spruce up the platform. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.