Floating Reunion Safety: Houseboating At Bullfrog Lake Powell Ut
Maybe you’re contemplating a different sort of vacation this year-a floating reunion-aboard a houseboat from Bullfrog Marina at Lake Powell. If you’ve had zip for boat-navigation training … no worries. You’ll be given plenty of on-the-spot orientation, information, and instructions in order to have a wonderful vacation at this magical, memorable lake. However, if you’re so inclined, you might brush up on some basic houseboat safety knowledge. Here goes.
A few basic navigation dos and don’ts: do relax, chill out, and have a good time with it; do keep alert; do designate your backup navigator, who should also be oriented with you; don’t operate while under the influence, not even slightly under; do remember that turning the houseboat wheel causes the stern-that’s the back of the boat-to react first (e.g. turn wheel to the right=stern swings left); and do remember that the houseboat (which might weigh five tons and travel 20 mph) has NO brakes (unless you count reverse), so take plenty of space and time to maneuver it very gingerly, approaching docks at a maximum speed of one mph-after you’ve first practiced using just enough oomph to maintain steerageway (minimum speed with control).
More navigation: do learn the regulations and rules of the waterway and the signaling rules and marking systems (e.g. keep right when approaching); do NOT reverse when there is a person overboard because propellers can do damage-as floatables are thrown, keep the victim in sight and upwind, then bring the boat around and cut the engine; do turn off your generator and engine when approaching swimmers, thereby keeping them safe from the propeller and carbon monoxide fumes; and do remember you are legally responsible for any wake damage you cause, so MAKE NO WAKE (that means no waterskiing from the houseboat!).
Safety dos and don’ts: do designate your best medical-savvy passenger as a first-aid attendant; do review safety and operating procedures and safety-equipment locations with all passengers; do find a properly fitting life jacket for every passenger, encourage low-level adult swimmers to wear theirs when it isn’t mandated, and discuss the lifejacket rules with all children and their parents; do check fire extinguishers and make sure the passengers know how to use them; do demonstrate person-overboard procedures to everyone; don’t cook with too much oil or food in pans when traveling on the water; and do keep any curtains tied away from your stove.
Do get sufficient fueling instructions before tackling the process on your own. Do remember that refueling needs to be done with no nearby use of lights, pilot lights, appliances, and cigarettes. Do shut the doors and windows while refueling so gas vapors don’t get inside the houseboat. Do use the blower to clear out the gas fumes before restarting the engine. Don’t tinker with the motor. Do leave your phone number, itinerary, and float plan with someone on land. Do plan to enjoy yourselves.
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