Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!
They say a dog is man’s best friend, so of course we want to take them everywhere we go—and for many of us, that means getting them out on the water! With a few simple tips, it is easy to make sure that your four-legged friends have a safe and enjoyable boating experience.
Some breeds of dogs are natural swimmers and love going for a dip. For others, it may not be instinctive to them and they will need help getting adjusted. Before taking them out on the boat (even if you don’t plan for your pet to get in the water), consider getting them comfortable first. You can do this with a baby pool, regular pool, or at the water shoreline. Encourage them to play and have fun with floating toys and gradually guide them into deeper and deeper waters.
To prevent them from overheating, make sure they have plenty of clean drinking water available and that it is easy for them to access. Be sure to keep an eye on them for any signs of dehydration. This might include heavy panting/breathing, dry mouth, or sunken eyes. Also, never encourage them to drink water straight from the lake or sea.
Just like humans, some dogs (especially with short hair) can get sunburns too! If you check your local pet store, their are sunscreens available that have been specifically designed for your pet. Boat surfaces can get very hot in the sun, so also consider keeping their feet, protected because they absorb heat through the pads of their feet.
Make sure you walk your dog prior to boarding! Also, remember to bring plenty of doggy bags and paper towels in case of a mishap. Try teaching them to go in a specific spot such as a puppy pad. Planning stops where dogs can get off to relieve themselves is another good option.
Give them their own special space that is out of the way to help them feel more comfortable and get acclimated to the boat. Make sure it is in the shade to keep them cool. Also, give them a chance to become familiar with the boat while it is at the dock before departing.
Even if you consider your dog an excellent swimmer, there are a number of situations where your dog could risk the chance of drowning. Fatigue, high seas, and panic can all put the best swimming dog in the worst of situations. To help prevent this from happening, invest in a PFD for your dog. You can find them available at most pet shops and boating stores. You want to make sure it is the right size so there is no discomfort for your furry friend. Go with the option of lifting handles so you can easily pull your dog out of the water. Also, choose a brightly-colored vest so it is easy to spot if your dog jumps overboard. Pets cannot wave their arms, so it is much harder to spot their tiny head in the water.
By taking a few cautionary measures and planning ahead, you are sure to have a fun and adventurous day out on the water with your pet!
More women than ever before have discovered the boating lifestyle. Whether at the helm or as a valued second mate, they are enjoying the benefits of boating. Here are some great tips from some seasoned female skippers who train hundreds of women each year as part of the Freedom Boat Club DIVA program.
Nothing beats getting out on the water and making memories that last a lifetime with those you love. When a child enters the family, it makes sense that you want to start sharing those special times with them too! As you can imagine, there are definitely some challenges involved with bringing your toddler on board, but with a few tips and tricks, and a positive attitude, you can start creating those everlasting memories!
Every time you go out boating, you should be sure to take the following items in a “Go Bag” or “Ditch Bag”.
Keep your bag in the same place in your house, somewhere easily accessible, so you will be sure to grab it every time you go boating.
Always keep it fully stocked — never “borrow” items from it for home use!
Because Freedom Boat Club has such helpful, friendly dock staff, our members never have to worry about casting off, or securing the boat when they return.
But not every slip has such helpful staff, so it is important that you know how to secure a boat to a dock!
From a practical safety standpoint, boaters should always wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device). However, every U.S. state has different laws regarding the wearing of PFDs, so you should always check your local laws to see what is applicable.
When hailing another vessel, less is always more, and there is an accepted way to make contact.