Almost every boating accident we hear about could have been prevented with a habit that takes thirty seconds. Here are the safety basics our captains follow every day, written for families heading out on Connecticut lakes, whether you're driving your own rental or riding with us.

The short answer

Everyone wears a properly fitted life jacket when the law requires it, and kids always do. The driver wears the kill-switch lanyard. Someone watches every rider being towed. Nobody goes near the back of the boat while the engine is running. Stay off the water when thunder is in the forecast, and don't drink and drive.

1. Life jackets that actually fit

In Connecticut, children under 13 must wear a USCG-approved life jacket while the boat is underway, and anyone being towed must wear one too. A jacket only works if it fits: snug, buckled, and it shouldn't ride up over the chin when you lift it by the shoulders. Full rules in Connecticut life jacket laws.

2. Wear the kill switch

The engine cut-off lanyard clips to the driver and stops the engine if they're thrown from the seat. Federal rules require it on many small boats when underway on plane. Clip it on every time, even for a short run.

3. Respect the propeller

  • Turn the engine off before anyone swims near the back of the boat or climbs the ladder.
  • Count heads before you put the boat in gear.
  • Never wakesurf behind an outboard or sterndrive. Wakesurfing needs a boat built for it.
  • Watch for carbon monoxide near the swim platform when the engine is idling.
From a captain

Our rule: if anyone is in the water, the engine is off. No exceptions, no "just idling." It costs you ten seconds to restart.

4. Towing safely

  • Have a dedicated spotter watching the rider at all times, not the driver.
  • Agree on hand signals before the first pull: faster, slower, stop, I'm OK.
  • Give fallen riders space and approach them on the driver's side, slowly.
  • Keep plenty of distance from docks, shorelines, swimmers, and other boats.

New to towed sports? Let a coach teach you first on a watersports charter.

5. Watch the weather

Summer thunderstorms build fast in the Litchfield Hills. Check the forecast before you go, keep an eye on the western sky, and head in at the first thunder. Wind also makes lakes choppy in the afternoon, which is one more reason to plan family trips for the morning.

6. Don't boat under the influence

Alcohol on the water hits harder because of sun, wind, and motion. Connecticut treats boating under the influence like drunk driving. The driver stays sober.

Pre-trip checklist

  1. A life jacket for every person, the right size, kids wearing theirs
  2. Throwable flotation device on board
  3. Fire extinguisher charged and reachable
  4. Kill-switch lanyard attached
  5. Fuel checked, with a reserve for the trip back
  6. Phone in a dry bag, and someone on shore knows your plan
  7. Weather checked
  8. Water, sunscreen, and shade
  9. Safe Boating Certificate for the driver (details)

Our weekly and seasonal rentals come with life jackets aboard and an in-person walkthrough at delivery, so you start the season with the safety gear sorted.

Quick FAQ

Adults generally need an accessible, properly sized life jacket on board, but don't have to wear it, except on personal watercraft or when being towed. Check CT DEEP for current rules, and consider wearing one anyway in cold water.
Shout "man overboard," point at the person and keep pointing, throw a flotation device, stop the engine near them, and approach slowly from downwind. Turn the engine off before pulling them aboard.
It takes the driving, towing, and weather calls off your plate. Every charter has a licensed captain who handles all of it.

Leave the safety calls to a captain

Every charter comes with a licensed captain, properly sized life jackets, and a safety briefing before you leave the dock.

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