Boat Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe When Tubing

Tubing can be a lot of fun! It’s great for all ages and requires zero skill. Who wouldn’t love bumping and bouncing along with the waves? While tubing can be very fun, it can also be dangerous. Don’t let a great day on the lake end with an ER visit. Follow these boat safety tips on how to stay safe when tubing on the lake: 

Wear A Life Vest

 Okay – this is a no brainer, but bears repeating. Anytime a passenger gets on the tube, they should be a life jacket. You never know when they might get bounced off by an unsuspecting wave. 

Communication is Key

 Before a passenger gets on the tube, establish the ground rules. Make sure they know how to communicate with you whether they’d like to go faster, slower, or stop. As your passenger is riding, make sure you are constantly aware of what is going on. 

Check the Gear

 Before setting off for a fun day of tubing, check your ropes and knots to make sure everything is tied off properly. Does your tube have air? Are there any leaks? These are all important boat safety tips to be aware of.

Watch for Hazards

 Part of tubing – and really any watersports – is an awareness of your surroundings. You wouldn’t want to sling your passengers into a stump or a buoy! Pay close attention to other boats that might be coming nearby or other hazards that could come into contact with your tube. 

Be Safe in the Water

 If your passenger falls off into the water, be sure they know how to stay safe in the water! Do not attempt to swim back to the boat. Instead, they should stay exactly where they are and watch carefully for other boaters. Teach passengers to wave their arms in the air to make other boats aware of their presence while you circle back. You might even consider adding a safety whistle to their life jacket. 

Turn the Boat Off

 As you approach the rider and they are ready to get back in the boat, cut the motor. This eliminates the risk of injury from the propeller on the backside of the boat. Boat safety tips are important whether you are a seasoned boat owner or a novice! If you’re ready for good times ahead on the lake, call Buxton Marine in Lewisville, Texas to help you find the right watersports boat, wakeboard boat, or waterski boat that fits your needs. As the #1 Nautique dealer in the country – we know boats!