5 Boating Etiquette Guidelines to Follow Riviera Dunes Marina Blog

5 Boating Etiquette Guidelines to Follow

Even if you’ve been boating for decades, it never hurts to brush up on your boating etiquette. Yes, like manners for the table—Don’t slouch! Chew with your mouth closed!—there are even manners for when you’re boating. Here are some boating etiquette guidelines to abide by when you’re enjoying your day out on Bradenton waters.

Maintain a low speed when entering and exiting.

Whether it’s your neighborhood or a marina, keeping a low speed when you’re entering or exiting either is not only respectful to your neighbors and marina, but it keeps the noise level down, too.

With respect to noise levels, keep the music down, as well.

While boaters and their loved ones like to enjoy their time on the water with their favorite tunes, some boaters would prefer to hear nature and the hum of the waters and their boat while they enjoy the sunset instead. Neither are wrong, but you should be respectful to both to practice boating etiquette.

Abide all the signage.

In general, one of the easiest ways to remain courteous and follow boating etiquette is to simply obey the signage when on the water. Though just as important as being courteous, is protecting the species that live in the waters. For instance, areas with manatees will tell you to boat at a slow speed to ensure they have ample amount of time to exit your path.

Decrease your wake when passing other boats.

Though there’s not typically a sign for decreasing your speed or wake when you’re around other boats, this is common courtesy when out on the water. Too much wake could either cause damage to other boats or cause unwanted rocking. Be respectful of other boaters and slow down when passing them.

Don’t be shy, and say, “Hello!”

Though you don’t have to necessarily strike up a full-on conversation when boating on Bradenton waters, a friendly wave is often all that’s needed to upkeep boating etiquette. Plus, you never know when you might get the latest scoop on the best fishing spots!

Next: A Quick Boating Guide for Stormy Weather