COVID-19 Boating Restrictions
The COVID-19 pandemic has truly changed our lives in drastic ways over the past year. Because of social restrictions, it can be hard to find ways to enjoy time outside. If you are an avid boater, then you might be wondering whether boating is something that can be practiced safely in your area or not.
Dewitt Marine in Bellaire is your northern Michigan boat dealer. We want to help you and your family stay safe while boating in the Great Lakes during the pandemic, so we’ve drawn up this guide to understanding current COVID-19 boating restrictions.
Is Boating a Safe Practice Under Social-Distancing Rules?
Yes, but there are a few caveats to be mindful of. You primarily need to be careful about who you go boating with and what you do at the boat launch or marina. Boating by yourself is obviously safe, but who else can you bring?
The CDC recommends only communing with people with whom you are already quarantined, such as immediate family or roommates. It’s inadvisable to invite anyone outside of your household to go boating at the current time. However, if any member of your family or household is suffering from COVID-19 symptoms like a fever, a cough, malaise or skin rash, or if anyone has tested positive within the last 14 days, the CDC urges you and your household to isolate at home and get in touch with your general care practitioner.
What about at the marina? When you arrive at a boat launch or a marina, everyone in your party should wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth; recent guidelines in January 2021 have indicated that double-masking is more effective. Use hand sanitizer after touching common surfaces and remain at least six feet away from people who are not in your party. Once you’ve launched your boat and made it away from shore and other boats, you can safely remove your masks.
How Should I Prepare?
Try to pack up everything you’ll need for your boat outing at home, including snacks and supplies that you wish to bring. This will prevent the need to stop on your way, potentially exposing yourself to infection.
Carry hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethanol to rub into your hands when you cannot wash your hands. Whenever possible, wash your hands and wrists for 20 seconds with soap and water, scrubbing vigorously.
Avoid meeting up with or getting your boat close with rafters, water skiers and other boaters when you’re out on the water. Just because you’re outside does not mean that the infection cannot still spread between you.
Where Can I Go?
As of January 2021, boating is permitted and boat launches are open in Michigan. Be mindful of crowding and always make sure that you call ahead if you plan to visit a place you haven’t been before. Remember that rules change often as governments try to manage the pandemic, so you may wish to double-check whether a given state park or marina is open at the current time.
Can I Get Emergency Assistance?
One common concern for boaters at this time is whether marina services and rescue crews will be available. The good news is that many towing fleets are active, and the United States Coast Guard and Search & Rescue personnel are available as well. It’s always smart to give your boat a thorough inspection before your planned outing so that you can address any potential maintenance issues at home, rather than having to worry about your boat malfunctioning out on the water.
How Do I Clean My Boat?
Cleaning your boat after using it is always a good idea. Use EPA-approved disinfectants to clean, but be mindful of using bleach on vinyl and canvas, as the caustic nature of bleach can wear down certain materials. You can use bleach wipes on railings and the console safely, provided you are careful around the electronic components. Bag up trash to dispose of properly on shore and encourage passengers not to leave any personal items behind.
Seeking boats for sale in Michigan? Browse our website or come by our dealership in Bellaire, MI, today to check out the great selection of new and used boats. You can even discuss financing options with our sales team if you’d like to make use of them. Dewitt Marine serves all of our northern Michigan customers in Traverse City and Grand Rapids.