Waggoner Guide – Covid 19 Safe Boating Guidelines
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As government agencies loosen restrictions on recreational activities, boaters should check the closed/open status of marine facilities and border crossings before heading out. Waggoner Guide maintains an up-to-date list of boater facilities at www.WaggonerGuide.com/covid-19. Also check individual marina websites for details. Be sure to check with city and county authorities to confirm that local communities are accepting and welcoming non-resident guests.
As conscientious citizens and boaters, we want to adhere to all government Covid-19 directives and guidelines for safe boating activities. Waggoner Guide shares the following tips, which serve as recommended guidelines for safe boating.
- Be Prepared and Be Self-Reliant
- Avoid the need to call upon first-responders
- Don’t take chances that might require assistance
- If you need assistance, minimize your impact on first-responders
- Let first responders know if you have any flu-like symptoms when calling for assistance
- Marinas and Launch Ramps
- Marina offices may be closed to public access but staffed – phone to register and pay
- Wear a mask/face covering
- Maintain 6 feet/2 meter social distancing at all times
- On narrow docks, use finger floats, ramps, and wait your turn in order to maintain social distancing
- Use sanitizer before and after using pay stations and self-registration stations
- Guests Onboard
- Keep the onboard group to household family members
- Self-isolate if anyone has symptoms or may have been exposed
- Handcarts
- Minimize use of dock-carts
- Wipe down the cart handle and other surfaces
- Use sanitizer dispensers
- Park and Public Docks (State, Provincial, County, City, and Natural Resources)
- Check the open/closed status before approaching
- Don’t use when Closed – even if other boats are using them
- No dinghy landing when Closed
- No Rafting
- Minimize activities on the docks/floats
- Avoid crowds, have alternate plans and be prepared to go somewhere else
- Anchor-out or tie to a mooring buoy when/where possible.
- No rafting
- Fuel Docks
- Yield priority access to commercial and essential service vessel
- Minimize use of offices
- Use gloves when handling hoses and nozzles • Maintain Social Distancing
- Marina Restrooms and Showers
- Use onboard facilities whenever possible
- Check with marina for protocols and open/closed status
- Toilet paper may not be available
- Marina Laundry
- Check with marina for protocols and open/closed status
- Pumpout Facilities
- Wear gloves and protective equipment
- Wash thoroughly afterwards
- Potable Water
- Check with the marina for availability and protocols
- If you must leave your boat
- Check to be sure that local communities are accepting and welcoming non-resident guests
- Wear a mask/face covering
- Clean handles, door knobs, light switches and control panels on your boat
- Use local grocery delivery services where available
- Yacht Clubs
- Most reciprocal moorage and outstations are closed – check with the yacht club
- Quarantine / Self-Isolate Protocol
- Contact the marina to confirm moorage quarantine protocol
- State your intention to quarantine so that the marina is prepared
- Stay on board your vessel
- Fly a yellow/black “L” or Lima quarantine flag
- Some BC Marinas are requiring a 14-day self-isolate before accepting guest moorage
- Good Practices On and Off the Boat
- Don’t touch your face, mouth, eyes, or nose
- Carry sanitizer wipes, disposable gloves, and mask/face covering
- Regular hand-washing with hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds