If you just rented a boat from Aquarius, considering renting one, we have some good news for you: on top of being the best fun you will ever have, research has proven that boating is good for your health and mind. But before you hop on board here are some safety tips you should know about. The US Coast Guard regularly posts on the best ways to stay safe on the water, all this info can be a little overwhelming at first! But don't worry dear new-to-boating boater—Aquarius is here to help you navigate on these new waters!

Here are some tips that will help ensure your time out on a boat with Aquarius is a fun, and safe experience. Even if you’re out on a boat tour with a professional guide, safety comes first and foremost. Read on for the top motorboat safety tips to follow on a boat rental with a captain.

Check the Weather and Prepare Accordingly

A day out of the water enjoying the beautiful scenery surrounding you sounds wonderful—unless bad weather hits. Before you head out on a boat tour, check the weather for the day. Wear layers if it’s cooler. Even if it’s summertime and it seems like a nice sunny day, things can change quickly as well. Remember that out on the water, the temperature tends to drop quickly.

Bring a jacket and a change of spare clothes just in case, as well as sunscreen or a hat to protect yourself from the sun. A boat rental company will cancel the tour if the weather is truly hazardous, but you’re the one who has to protect yourself from the natural elements.

Know where the life vests are

While life jackets aren’t exactly fashionable, they’re extremely important. Having a personal flotation device handy is one of the top boat rental safety tips to follow on a guided boat rental. Don’t think you don’t need one, no matter how great of a swimmer you are. By law, children age 6 and under are required to wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets on vessels smaller than 26 feet. No matter your age, Aquarius has PFDs on board for use, as well as a safety ring buoy in case anyone falls overboard.

Always Use Common Sense

Boat adventure companies should brief their tour guest before stepping foot on the boat to tell them where they are going, how long they will be gone, and what to expect while on the trip but most importantly where the safety equipment is located on the boat. Pay close attention to these details, alongside what to wear and what to bring. Take note of the safety procedures and the locations of safety equipment on the craft before the tour starts. Use common sense during the entirety of the boat ride.

If you’re planning on taking a guided boat trip, fishing boat and motorboat safety come first as well. At Aquarius Boat Rental our trained captains provide expertise and professionalism to help the trip run smoothly and efficiently. Our experienced guides will take you along the scenic Miami River in Downtown Miami, Star Island, Millionaire Row, Fisher Island, on US Coast Guard-approved motorboats. Contact us for more information on all that our boat trips and guided tours offer today!

Boating tips summarized

Play it Safe

Although boating is an incredibly low-risk activity, like anything, the fun stops right away if someone gets hurt. Watch some videos or visit our Boating Safety Page to know all the equipment you will have included with your boat rental and how to use them. Don't do any crazy drinking or stunts while the boat is underway and everything will be fine. Also, if you are a non-swimmer, we strongly recommend that you inform your captain so he can point out the areas where it is safe for you to be in the water. The sandbars for instance have a very strong current and are not recommended if you don't know how to swim. Instead, we will bring you to a cove or an island.

Overpack for your boat ride

When you’ve checked your itinerary and figured out how to find us, make a list of any boating supplies you may need to be fully prepared for all the grin-generating wave-hops, laughter-inducing tube-towing, and/or smile-causing fish-catching that’s about to come.

By the way, did we mention that it's best to overpack on a boat?

This may sound a bit simplistic, but the truth of the matter is that after hosting over 5000 clients, we have noticed that most new boaters tend to "under-pack". They don't bring enough water, food or/and drinks on the boat. Remember that when you are on the boat, it's harder to go and get these things. Although we can bring you to convenience stores on the water, it's much more enjoyable for you if you have purchased everything you need at hand.

Don't forget sunscreen, towels, and bathing suits if you plan to go in the water. Always barefoot onboard! Don't forget to remove your shoes before boarding. Shoes rip the seats and the boat is a clean area, the shoes bring dirt from outside.

Inform the captain if you don't know how to swim

we strongly recommend that you inform your captain so he can point out the areas where it is safe for you to be in the water. The sandbars for instance have a very strong current and are not recommended if you don't know how to swim. Instead, we will bring you to a cove or an island.