Summer is finally here and that means vacation season is upon us! Recreating on the water is a great way to spend the summer months, and renting a boat, WaveRunner®, or paddle craft can be an exciting new opportunity to experience the water. Whether renting a boat is already on your vacation agenda, or it becomes a spontaneous decision during your trip, it’s important to keep in mind a few best practices to help you have an enjoyable time on the water and eliminate any potential roadblocks during the rental process.
Know Before You Go
There are various boat rental businesses across the country, but keep in mind that all states have different regulations when it comes to renting and operating a vessel. It’s important to do a little research before selecting a boat rental company and walking in their door. Often rental companies have the state specific rules linked to their website, or you can find them by navigating directly to that state’s Department of Wildlife or Natural Resources boating rules and regulations section. Make sure you are aware of things like the
• Minimum rental age
• Boating education course requirements
• Costs
• Equipment needed vs. provided
• General navigation info for the area
• Any potential insurance requirements
In your research, it’s very helpful to vet every boat rental business you’re considering before selecting the best fit. Each state has different regulations governing boat rental agencies, so selecting a rental business in compliance is critical. Boat rental companies in the state of Florida are required to be permitted through the state and adhere to guidelines through Florida Fish and Wildlife.
John Luther, owner of Luther’s Pontoon, WaveRunner, and Kayak Rentals, explained “we encourage all our renters to spend time familiarizing themselves with the
local area they are boating in and always be aware of the local boating regulations. In Florida, this includes taking a safe boating course. “There are a few quick safety tips to always keep in mind before renting a vessel or recreating on the water of any kind.
• Always wear a life jacket
• Maintain a proper lookout
• Never boat under the influence
• Use an Engine Cut-off switch
• Take a boating safety course
• Constantly monitor your children
• Verify all required safe boating gear is onboard
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Use the Resources
There are several resources available for renters to make sure you have the confidence to operate safely on the water. Often rental companies, like Luther’s provide a safety briefing and have a safety section on their website where you can obtain all the materials needed to have an enjoyable day on the water.
“We provide an entire safety section on our website that gives you, the renter, the opportunity to watch a series of videos specific to the vessel you’re renting. Our goal is for you to use these resources before renting, so you’re confident when you hit the water,” said Luther.
For states that require a completed safe boating course to operate a vessel, which includes rental vessels, it will greatly speed up the rental process and help you navigate any hurdles, if you provide successful completion of a safe boating course upon arrival to rent the vessel. Taking a safe boating course is highly encouraged for all boaters because it helps build a solid foundation before hitting the water.
Follow Directions
Boat rental companies should have knowledgeable staff ready to assist their guests. When renting a boat or any type of vessel, make sure to carefully listen to the briefing instructions provided by the rental company staff. “Often times renters are concerned with ‘how does the Bluetooth radio work on the boat?’ as the first question, but it’s important to carefully listen to all safety protocols given by staff and then we can help address additional questions, but we want to make sure you’re safe first,” said Luther. A fun and smooth day on the water begins with following safe boating practices, so everyone can make it back to the dock safely.
Use Good Judgement
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been recreating on the water; things can happen in an instant. Always make sure to practice common sense and make smart decisions no matter how you choose to enjoy your day on the water. Please do not push through bad weather when renting a boat or operate at unsafe speeds to maximize your rental time. Often rental owners will work with you to pro rate your rental fee if your trip was cut short by circumstances out of your control like the weather. Open communication with the rental business is best in these situations.
Renting a boat and enjoying time on the water are fun ways to spend free time this summer. As you’re planning your next vacation or outing, just remember to complete the prep work ahead of time to make your trip safe, efficient, and enjoyable. Take advantage of the resources available, briefings by the knowledgeable staff, and the information you’ve collected ahead of time to efficiently rent a vessel of your choosing and build lasting memories on the water. Like Luther’s always says, “We can’t wait to see you on the water! We want you to have a fun and enjoyable time out there. Your safety is very important to us!”
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Know Before You Go
There are various boat rental businesses across the country, but keep in mind that all states have different regulations when it comes to renting and operating a vessel. It’s important to do a little research before selecting a boat rental company and walking in their door. Often rental companies have the state specific rules linked to their website, or you can find them by navigating directly to that state’s Department of Wildlife or Natural Resources boating rules and regulations section. Make sure you are aware of things like the
• Minimum rental age
• Boating education course requirements
• Costs
• Equipment needed vs. provided
• General navigation info for the area
• Any potential insurance requirements
In your research, it’s very helpful to vet every boat rental business you’re considering before selecting the best fit. Each state has different regulations governing boat rental agencies, so selecting a rental business in compliance is critical. Boat rental companies in the state of Florida are required to be permitted through the state and adhere to guidelines through Florida Fish and Wildlife.
John Luther, owner of Luther’s Pontoon, WaveRunner, and Kayak Rentals, explained “we encourage all our renters to spend time familiarizing themselves with the
local area they are boating in and always be aware of the local boating regulations. In Florida, this includes taking a safe boating course. “There are a few quick safety tips to always keep in mind before renting a vessel or recreating on the water of any kind.
• Always wear a life jacket
• Maintain a proper lookout
• Never boat under the influence
• Use an Engine Cut-off switch
• Take a boating safety course
• Constantly monitor your children
• Verify all required safe boating gear is onboard
Use the Resources
There are several resources available for renters to make sure you have the confidence to operate safely on the water. Often rental companies, like Luther’s provide a safety briefing and have a safety section on their website where you can obtain all the materials needed to have an enjoyable day on the water.
“We provide an entire safety section on our website that gives you, the renter, the opportunity to watch a series of videos specific to the vessel you’re renting. Our goal is for you to use these resources before renting, so you’re confident when you hit the water,” said Luther.
For states that require a completed safe boating course to operate a vessel, which includes rental vessels, it will greatly speed up the rental process and help you navigate any hurdles, if you provide successful completion of a safe boating course upon arrival to rent the vessel. Taking a safe boating course is highly encouraged for all boaters because it helps build a solid foundation before hitting the water.
Follow Directions
Boat rental companies should have knowledgeable staff ready to assist their guests. When renting a boat or any type of vessel, make sure to carefully listen to the briefing instructions provided by the rental company staff. “Often times renters are concerned with ‘how does the Bluetooth radio work on the boat?’ as the first question, but it’s important to carefully listen to all safety protocols given by staff and then we can help address additional questions, but we want to make sure you’re safe first,” said Luther. A fun and smooth day on the water begins with following safe boating practices, so everyone can make it back to the dock safely.
Use Good Judgement
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been recreating on the water; things can happen in an instant. Always make sure to practice common sense and make smart decisions no matter how you choose to enjoy your day on the water. Please do not push through bad weather when renting a boat or operate at unsafe speeds to maximize your rental time. Often rental owners will work with you to pro rate your rental fee if your trip was cut short by circumstances out of your control like the weather. Open communication with the rental business is best in these situations.
Renting a boat and enjoying time on the water are fun ways to spend free time this summer. As you’re planning your next vacation or outing, just remember to complete the prep work ahead of time to make your trip safe, efficient, and enjoyable. Take advantage of the resources available, briefings by the knowledgeable staff, and the information you’ve collected ahead of time to efficiently rent a vessel of your choosing and build lasting memories on the water. Like Luther’s always says, “We can’t wait to see you on the water! We want you to have a fun and enjoyable time out there. Your safety is very important to us!”
Back to Blue Life
