Waggoner Covid 19 Safe Boating Guidelines
Waggoner Cruising Guide | Published on 5/7/2020
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 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 vessels
• 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