The day after Labor Day, it is like a switch is flipped. The days are shorter. The air is crisper. School is back in the swing. Vacations are a memory. You may or may not have had your fill of everything pumpkin flavor. The good news is there is still great boating to be done!

You can enjoy boating well into autumn. In some areas, fall fishing is the best fishing. This is the perfect time to take inventory of all your boating equipment. There are just a few extra safety tips to follow.

Safety Equipment Double-Check

Every time you go out on your boat, you should check all your safety equipment. Routine can turn into complacency. Our eyes and minds can assume we see things. Make sure you haven’t buried your safety gear from quickly pushing things into storage areas after a full summer of boat outings.

Did you know that Carefree Boat Club takes care of all your safety equipment? Our staff checks the PFD’s to make sure they are free of wear and tear. A safety inspection is performed every day by Carefree Staff. Our members are also asked to know where the safety equipment is on the boat they are taking out. This is done as part of the checkout process for each member’s outing.

Check Expiration Dates

Make it a point to double-check the navigation lights, the expiration dates on the flares and fire extinguisher, and all your United States Coast Guard, USCG, and safety equipment.

Each year Carefree has the USCG inspect the boats in the U.S. club locations. Look for the sticker!

VHF: Can Your Hear Me Know

Make sure that your VHF radio is working. Have a friend or dock neighbor help you call over the VHF to make sure it is working and audible.

Carefree staff maintains the boat equipment and safety equipment. This is part of the member checkout. Our members receive an inclusive safety and familiarization briefing.

TIP: Can’t find a friend with a VHF to help? SeaTow has a free Automated Radio Check. (click here)

Shake Off the Leaves Off

Clean your boat before going out. Fall foliage is beautiful to see. Brightly colors leaves on the deck can become slick and become a fall hazard. No pun intended.

Can you imagine your boat being clean and ready every time you go to use it? Can you imagine after a day of boating – NOT having to clean your boat? Carefree Boat Club members can! Our staff cleans and details the boats every day and between outings!

Weather, Weather, Weather

Check the weather often. Just like in the springtime, the weather can change quickly. Warm waters and cooler air can cause fog.

Carefree members are briefed on weather and possible weather prior to leaving the docks.

Time for Change (of Clothes)

Wear layers and bring warmed gear. The temperature can be 20 degrees cooler on the water than on land. The sun goes down earlier, and with it, the air temp. Bring a blanket and keep it in a waterproof bag.

TIP: Bring an extra set of clothes in a waterproof bag. You will be able to change and stay dry just in case you accidentally fall into the water or get drenched by sea spray.

Sunscreen. The sun may not be as hot, and the UV levels may be lower, but you can still get sunburn and windburn.

Update your boating charts. Local authorities can pull out navigation and local signage aids after summer boating winds down.

Carefree Boat Club Staff are always in touch with local boating authorities. This way we can brief our members of any changes in navigational signage, areas that are trouble-prone, dredging, or anything that may affect our members.

Enjoy the fall boating!