Skip to main content
  • Visitors
  • Meetings
  • Sports
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • RV Parks & Camping
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    Friends on the beaches in Alabama
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Vacation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Motorcycle Runs
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Fat Daddy's Arcade Gulf Shores
    21 Rainy Day Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Snowbird Events
    Gulf Place Gulf Shores Christmas Lights
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants on Alabama’s Beaches
    Pleasure Island Tiki Bar
    12 Restaurants Locals Love On Alabama’s Beaches
    Cobalt the Restaurant Orange beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Couples Newsletter
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Maps
    • Getting Here
    • Weather
    • Welcome Centers
    • Couples Getaway
    • Family Vacations
    • Beach Safety
    • Photographers
    Family Vacation Gulf Shores
    10 Things to Know Before Your Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Vacation
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Dog Pond Lake Shelby
    Easy Options for a Pet-Friendly Beach Vacation
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    10 Cheap & Free Things To Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Paddle boarding Orange Beach
    10 Things to do with Teens in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Waterville USA
    5 Thrilling Amusement Parks Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • RV Parks & Camping
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    Friends on the beaches in Alabama
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Vacation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Motorcycle Runs
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Fat Daddy's Arcade Gulf Shores
    21 Rainy Day Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Snowbird Events
    Gulf Place Gulf Shores Christmas Lights
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants on Alabama’s Beaches
    Pleasure Island Tiki Bar
    12 Restaurants Locals Love On Alabama’s Beaches
    Cobalt the Restaurant Orange beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Couples Newsletter
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Maps
    • Getting Here
    • Weather
    • Welcome Centers
    • Couples Getaway
    • Family Vacations
    • Beach Safety
    • Photographers
    Family Vacation Gulf Shores
    10 Things to Know Before Your Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Vacation
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Dog Pond Lake Shelby
    Easy Options for a Pet-Friendly Beach Vacation
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    10 Cheap & Free Things To Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Paddle boarding Orange Beach
    10 Things to do with Teens in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Waterville USA
    5 Thrilling Amusement Parks Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Meetings
  • Home
    All Home
    • Plan Your Conference
    • How Can We Help
    • Why Our Beach
    • Services
    • FAQs
    • Getting Here
    • Restaurants
    • Things to Do
    • Calendar of Events
    All Plan Your Conference
    • All Meeting Spaces
    • Unique Meeting Spaces
    • Accommodations
    All Meeting Spaces
  • Reunions & Weddings
    All Reunions & Weddings
    • Meeting Planner Toolkit
    All Toolkit
    • Connect With Us
    • Submit RFP
    • Subscribe Today
    All Contact Us
  • Stories
    All Stories
Sports
    • All Events
    • Book>Direct
    • Perfect Game World Series
    • Gulf Shores High School
    • Beach Races
    • Orange Beach High School
    All Events & Special Rates
    • All Restaurant Sponsors
    • On-the-Go Dining
    All Restaurants
    • All Attraction Sponsors
    All Attractions
  • Business Sponsors
    All Business Sponsors
  • Facilities
    All Facilities
    • Facility Info
    • Leisure Events
    • Our Services
    • Planner Toolkit
    • Contact Us
    • Newsletter
    • Future Sports Tourism Development
    All Bring Your Event
  • Sponsors
    All Sponsors
  • Stories
    All Stories
Boating Perdido Pass

Stay Smart Off-Shore with Boating Safety

September 7, 2021

Boating is a rite of passage on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and we want everyone to try out their sea legs. Whether you’ve been boating for years or are just getting your feet wet, our diverse blend of bays, inlets, and gorgeous Gulf waters offer a variety of new routes to explore as you soak up some fun in the sun. Just like our beautiful beaches, you need to share the space and play responsibly if you want to enjoy a blissful day of boating. 

To help you captain with the best of them, here is our top 8 boating safety tips to stay smart on the water:

Boat Gulf Shores AL

1. Follow Your Rental’s Recommendations

If you’re visiting without a vessel, there are several reputable rental companies in the area that can outfit you with everything you need for a beautiful day of boating - including safety suggestions. While many watersport rental companies don’t require a boating license to rent a boat or Jet Ski, it is essential to brush up on the basics (especially if you’re a beginner). Most companies have knowledgeable staff on-site that can give you a crash course in boating safety, so listen closely and follow all your rental company’s recommendations while on the water. 

2. Don’t Overlook Life Jackets

By law, all boats must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest for every person on board. Passengers under the age of eight must always wear a life jacket, but it’s best for everyone onboard to wear them when operating on the water. They can’t save your life if they’re stowed under the seat!

Your life vests should be readily accessible in an emergency (so no placing them in a locked container or underneath your other gear). You should also be sure that your life vests are in good condition and the proper fit for each intended wearer. They should be comfortably snug but not so tight as to impede natural movement. Life jacket sizes are based on chest size and body weight, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

3. Map Your Marinas

The last thing you want is to find yourself out of fuel when you’re far from the shore. You should always fill up before heading out, but it’s equally important to map your nearby marinas to be sure you know where to head in an emergency. 

4. Watch the Weather

Even a small shower can have significant impacts on the water. Be sure to check the weather before you go boating and stay at the dock if a storm is approaching. Sheltered areas are the safest in inclement weather, so inexperienced boaters should stick to the back bays and inlets instead of cruising through the Gulf. Gulf waters can go from calm to chaotic in a matter of seconds with pop-up storms. 

5. Don’t Pack on Passengers

Boats can carry a lot of weight, but it’s not wise to pile on every person you know. Boats are designed to perform under a specific weight distribution, and overloading a vessel with groups and gear increases the risk of capsizing, even in calm waters. Most boats have a capacity plate affixed to the hull that displays the maximum load limit and number of passengers, so be sure to find and follow it. 

6. Don’t Boat and Booze

A cold beer is a refreshing treat when temperatures rise but boating and boozing are not a good mix. In fact, it’s illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol, and even first-time offenders can face steep penalties. Just like on a land-based outing, decide on a designated driver, and commit to leaving your drinking at the dock. 

7. Catch a Crash Course

If possible, take a boating safety course before you cast off. A variety of fast and friendly online courses cover everything from the minimum driving limit (12 with a licensed supervisor over 21) to navigation tips to emergency situations and more.

8. Keep an Emergency Kit

Just like driving a car, accidents can happen. Stay prepared for the unexpected by packing an emergency kit that has the essentials you’ll need in case of trouble. Must-have items include a first-aid kid, flare guns, signaling devices, and a handheld radio with extra batteries. If you’re renting, be sure your vessel is equipped with the essentials when making your reservation.

Start planning your vacation

eNewsletter icon
Subscribe to our Fishing E-Newsletter
Vacation Guide Icon
Order a Free Vacation Guide
Lodging icon
Places to Stay

Share This

Gulf Shores Orange Beach Logo
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (1323 Posts)
  • https://facebook.com/VisitALBeaches
  • https://twitter.com/VisitAlBeaches

You May Also Like

Surf fishing in Lower Alabama

Tackle Box Tips: What To Bring Fishing in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Bowfishing in Gulf Shores, AL

Bowfishing: A New Way to Slay on Alabama’s Beaches

Order a Vacation Guide Subscribe to our Enewsletter
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Logo
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Tik-Tok
  • Trip Ideas
  • Press
  • Partners
  • Responsible Tourism
  • 1-800-745-SAND
  • [email protected]
  • Privacy Policy
  • Employment Opportunities
Copyright 2023 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. All rights reserved.
  • Subscribe to Enews
  • Vacation Guide
  • Chat With Us