April 9, 2024
February 19, 2024
February 19, 2024
As long as the need for social distancing for COVID safety keeps people confined to their homes, cabin fever is bound to occur. Families are looking for activities that they can do together while avoiding crowds. Fortunately, boating fits the bill, and most locations near the water have common-sense boating regulations in place, allowing individuals, families, and small groups to get back out to sea. With boat sales shooting up, new inventory is down due to demand, and used watercraft are selling fast. A whole new crew of first-timers is jumping on board with the boating lifestyle.
Most families had to cancel the annual trip to a theme park, beach destination, or cruise in the summer of 2020. Simultaneously, traditional activities like youth sports and summer camps were canceled, leaving people with time to fill. Hotels and water parks didn't feel safe, but the great outdoors never closes. As a result, many families turned to recreational vehicles, camping, and boating as safe venues for quality family time.
Many experts point out that boating is not only good for bonding, but it also offers benefits to your physical, mental, and emotional health. Boating is an appealing activity for singles, couples, or the whole family. You can enjoy an evening cruise and dinner for two on the water, a family fishing trip, or a swimming and diving excursion.
If you are new to boating and still trying to find your favorite spot, check out the Water Access Map from Discover Boating. This handy guide can help you find a location and determine what COVID safety guidelines are in place for that area. The United States Fish and Wildlife Services also maintains a list of site closures for federal wildlife refuges and hatcheries.
Once you find a place you want to visit, check with public health and marine authorities in that area to get the most up-to-date guidance. Here are a few of the guidelines you may need to follow:
Once you return from a boating trip, you may want to clean and disinfect your craft, just for an extra measure of safety. Choose EPA-approved cleaning products, but be mindful that chemicals such as bleach may damage or discolor some surfaces, such as vinyl or canvass, if not used according to the directions on the bottle.
Keep in mind that even with all the COVID safety precautions, boating carries some risks for which you should prepare. Here are some scenarios to consider:
Chartering is one way to get all the benefits of boating without buying a craft of your own. Charter boat companies have safety protocols in place, including temperature checks, mask requirements, stringent procedures for cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and social distancing plans. Boat clubs are another option if you don't have your own watercraft. For an annual or monthly fee, you get access to boats that are cleaned and maintained by the club.
Nautical Ventures can help with all your boating needs, whether you are looking to buy a new boat or better equipment than the one you have. From boats to yachts and tenders Nautical Ventures continues to be recognized in the Boating Industry as the Dealership shaping the American boating scene. Therefore, visit us at either of our showroom locations around Florida: Dania Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Sarasota, and Tampa Bay, or social media channels for further information. We look forward to welcoming you onboard!
Nautical Ventures also offers a full-service marina and service yard. Contact us today and let us help you get out on the water safely for your boating enjoyment.
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