Have A Fun & Safe Memorial Day Weekend On Your Watercraft

Memorial Day Weekends is one of the busiest boating weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks. Iguana Boat Sales wants to ensure you have a fun and accident-free time this holiday weekend. This year, National Safe Boating Week is May 20 - 26, which falls right before Memorial Day Weekend. In observance of this week and in preparation for Memorial Day Weekend, Iguana Boat Sales wants to focus on some safe boating practices you can do to help make sure you have a fun and safe time boating this holiday weekend.

Before You Depart

Just like you would a car before a road trip, it's a good idea to ensure your boat is in proper working order before taking it out onto the water.

- Check fuel levels.
- Check engine for leakage, excess water or heavy odors, as these could be signs of a serious issue.
- Ensure all lights are functioning and check for any electrical issues.
- Test all communication devices.
- Run the blowers to evacuate fumes and vapors from the bilge.
- Use a floating bobber for your boat and car keys in case they go overboard.

Before taking off, share your plans with friends or family. Include your destination and expected return time. In addition, check the local weather, water reports and boating forecasts. Don't head out if there will be bad weather.

While Out On The Lake

In addition to making sure your boat is in proper working condition, it's important to make sure everyone on board follows safety precautions. Whether you are the driver or just along for the ride, everyone plays an important role in boating safety.

- Don't exceed the number of passengers allowed on your watercraft.
- Ensure the engine is shut off while passengers are loading and unloading, especially during activities like tubing, water skiing, water boarding and swimming.
- Ensure there are enough life jackets for everyone on board. Always wear your life jacket while tubing, water skiing and wake boarding. In addition, children should wear their life jacket at all times.
- Don't drink and drive. If you do decide to consume alcohol while boating, ensure there is a sober driver.
- To reduce the chance of falling out of the watercraft, ensure all passengers remain seated while the boat is in motion.

Stay Safe This Memorial Day Weekend

Before getting in your boat at the Lake of the Ozarks, make sure you take the appropriate measures to ensure your safety on the water. By being prepared, paying attention to the weather forecast, and stocking your boat with the required items, your lake outing should not only be safe, but enjoyable! Iguana Boat Sales delivers exceptional value, exclusive selection, and above all outstanding customer service. We have selected some of the best boat brands to offer you the right combination of price, quality, and value. Visit our showroom in Osage Beach, if you are in the market for a used or new boat at the Lake of the Ozarks. Our boat gurus look forward to showing you our inventory.

573-355-5027
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4363 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO

Be Safe Out On The Water This Boating Season

Boating season at the Lake of the Ozarks is gearing up. Iguana Boat Sales wants to make sure your trip out on the water is fun and accident free. We've put together a list of things you can do to help you stay safer while enjoying your time out on the Lake of the Ozarks.

1. Check The Weather

Before heading out onto the water, be sure to check the local weather. TV and radio forecasts can be a good source of information. In Missouri, the weather can be quite unpredictable at times, so if you notice darkening clouds, rough changing winds, sudden drops of temperatures, it may be best to start heading back to shore.

2. Have A Departure Checklist

Proper boating safety includes being prepared for any possible situation while out on the water. If you have a predeparture checklist, it could help you make sure nothing is overlooked or forgotten. Some things to include on your list are:

- Top off fuel tanks.
- Check the engine oil and coolant levels.
- Check bilges are dry and that pumps are not running excessively.
- Make sure all instrument lights are working.
- Have at least one fire extinguisher and make sure it's accessible.

3. Use Common Sense

One of the most important parts of boating safety is to use your common sense. This means operating at a safe speed, especially in crowded areas, staying alert at all times and steering clear of large vessels and watercraft. Also, be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids. You do not want to be involved in a boating accident that could have been avoided, so be sure you are aware of your surrounding while operating your watercraft.

4. Designate A "Skipper"

Be sure that more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat's handling, operations and general boating safety.  In case the driver of the boat is injured or unable to drive, it's important that someone else can follow the proper safety rules to get everyone else back to shore safely.

5. Let Someone Else Know Your Plans

Whether it's a family member or staff at your local marina, always make sure someone else on land knows your boating plans. This should include where you're going and how long you're going to be gone. Some other information your designated person should know is:

- Name, address and phone number
- Name and phone number of other passengers
- Boat type and registration information
- Trip itinerary
- Types of communication and signal equipment onboard.

6. Wear Your Life Jacket

Wearing your life jacket is a simple life-saving strategic that's also extremely effective. Boats are required to have onboard a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for every passenger. Life jackets come in many sizes, are lightweight and are comfortable for any boating activity. Set a good example for any children that are also on the watercraft, as they will be more willing to wear their life jacket if you are too.

7. Don't Drink & Drive

Just like you wouldn't drink and drive a car, you should drink and operate a watercraft. Boating under the influence (BUI) of drugs or alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. These impairments can increase the risk of being in a boating accident, which could cause harm to the passengers and boat operator, not to mention other people outside of your own watercraft. Alcohol contributes to a third of all recreational boating fatalities.

Before getting in your boat at the Lake of the Ozarks, make sure you take the appropriate measures to ensure your safety on the water. By being prepared, paying attention to the weather forecast, and stocking your boat with the required items, your lake outing should not only be safe, but enjoyable! Iguana Boat Sales delivers exceptional value, exclusive selection, and above all outstanding customer service. We have selected some of the best boat brands to offer you the right combination of price, quality, and value. Visit our showroom in Osage Beach, if you are in the market for a used or new boat at the Lake of the Ozarks. We look forward to showing you our inventory.

573-355-5027
Check out our Website:
Iguana Boat Sales
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4363 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO

Obtaining Your Boater Education Card In Missouri

Whether you own your own boat or you're renting from the best watercraft rental company at the Lake of the Ozarks, all boat operators are required to successfully pass the Missouri Boater Education class/test. Safety is the most important aspect of a fun day out on the water. The Lake of the Ozarks best new boat dealer has all the information you need to know to obtain your boater certification card. However, even if you are not required to obtain a boater certification card, it is never a bad idea to brush up on boating safety, especially if you have just purchased a new boat from Iguana Boat Sales.

Who is required to have a boat certification card?

According to the law, any person born after January 1, 1984 must successfully complete a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved boating education course before operating any motorized vessel on Missouri lakes (including rentals). The law went into effect for Missouri residents on January 1, 2005 and January 1, 2006 for non-Missouri residents. 

How do I get my boater certification?

First, you must take a NASBLA approved course. This includes courses administered by the Missouri State Highway Patrol - Water Patrol Division, US Coast Guard, US Power Squadrons and Boat-Ed (an online boater education website). The Water Patrol Division offers classes around the state of Missouri at various times and locations. To find class times and locations, visit https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/WP02Web/app/safetyEdClasses. 

Who can take the boater education course?

Anyone wanting to operate a boat should take a boater education course. There is no age limit on who can take the course, however, that person should be able to follow the course material and understand its meaning. Missouri law states that boat operators must be 14 years or older unless accompanied by an adult. Anyone born after January 1, 1984 also must carry their boater certification card and a photo ID. 

Does operating a personal watercraft require a boater education card?

Yes, a boater certification card is need to operate any type of motorized vessel on Missouri lakes. 

Is a boater education card needed to rent a boat/PWC?

Yes, the law applies to anyone operating the vessel whether it is owned or rented. 

Are old cards still valid?

Yes, old cardstock cards are still valid, however, it is recommended to laminate the card or place it in a waterproof container to keep it from getting wet. Please not, all records related to education courses prior to 1999 were purged. If you have lost your card and it was completed prior to 1999, it is required to take another course and purchase a new card. 

Although it is not the boating season, now is the perfect time to brush up on your boating safety and complete the boating education courses, if you have not done so already. We love our customers and their safety is our top priority. The best boat dealership at the Lake of the Ozarks recommends that everyone take education classes prior to purchasing and operating a boat. We want to make sure that when you purchase a boat from Iguana Boat Sales that you can enjoy it for years to comes, which means practicing safe boating and learning the rules of the water. 

573-355-5027

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4363 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO

Being Safe On The Water Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks marks the end of the summer season. It is one of the last big boating weekends of the summer, so many people from all over come to the Lake area, which means there will be more people out on the water than usual. Whether you own your own boat, or you're renting from Lake of the Ozarks' best watercraft rental company, safety while out on the water, especially during busy holiday weekends, is important. The best boat dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks has a few tips for when your out on the water this Labor Day Weekend.

Photo Credit: FunLake.com

1. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

It is important to be aware of what other people are doing on the water, not just on Labor Day Weekend, but always. However, the weather is looking nice for this weekend, so there will be many people out on the water enjoying the last long weekend of the summer. Although you need a license to operate a motorized boat in the state of Missouri, there are still inexperienced boaters out on the Lake. It is important to remain cautious and alert while out on the water. If you are renting a boat, make sure you know how to properly operate it before taking off. 

2. No Drinking While Operating the Boat

Just like you should not drink and drive a car, you shouldn't drink and operate a boat. In fact, it is against the law. Drinking while boating increases the chances of an accident since alcohol affects judgment, vision , balance and coordination. Alcohol contributes to a third of all recreational boating fatalities, so make sure your family and friends are safe this holiday weekend and do not drink and operate a boat. 

3. Have An Emergency Kit Onboard

It is a good idea to keep an emergency kit on board in case there is an accident. Make sure the kit is in a dry bag or a floatation device. A map, first aid kit, cell phone and flares are all good things to keep in the kit. 

4. Wear A PFD

A simple, effective and life-saving strategy for safe recreational boating is wearing a life jacket. According to Missouri law, boats are required to have U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for every passenger on their watercraft. Although boats have the appropriate number of life jackets aboard, it is important to wear them. If you choose not to wear one, make sure it is in a place you can reach quickly, as you never know if there is going to be an accident. 

5. Avoid Bad Weather

Obviously, you can't change the weather. However, you can choose when to not head out onto the water. Although the weather is looking clear now, it could always change. It is important to know how to spot when a storm is coming, especially if you are out on the water. Sudden wind changes, lightning flashes and choppy water all can mean there is an oncoming storm. If there is bad weather approaching, get off the water as soon as possible. 

Iguana Wishes Everyone A Safe Holiday Weekend!

Safety is the key to having an enjoyable time out on the water. Whether you plan to buy or rent your watercraft, your safety is our number one concern at Iguana Boat Sales. If you are in need of boating accessories or floatation devices, stop by our store in Osage Beach or visit us online at www.IguanaBoatSales.com. Iguana Boat Sales wishes everyone a safe and fun Labor Day Weekend. 

573-355-5027
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4363 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO

Iguana Observes National Safe Boating Week: May 21-27, 2016

Boating at the Lake of the Ozarks can be a thrilling way to spend the day on the water. By following proper boating safety measures, you can ensure your trip is fun and accident free. National Safe Boating Week is observed May 21 - 27, 2016. The National Weather Service has partnered with the National Safe Boating Council to help promote safe boating practices. In observance of National Safe Boating Week, Iguana Boat Sales wants to emphasize these things that could save your life the next time you and your family are out on the water:

Do Not Boat Under the Influence  

The effects of alcohol while operating a watercraft can be even more hazardous on the water than on land. Boating under the influence (BUI) of drugs or alcohol affects judgement, vision, balance, and coordination. These impairments can increase the risk of being in a boating accident, which could cause harm to the passenger and boat operator. Alcohol contributes to a third of all recreational boating fatalities.

Pay Attention to the Weather Forecast

Weather conditions can change suddenly, catching boaters off guard and creating hazardous conditions. Boaters should take particular note of any current weather advisories, storm warnings, high winds, as well as pay attention to the extended forecast.

Wear Life Jackets

Wearing a life jacket is one of the most effective and simple life-saving strategies for safe recreational boating. Boats are required to have on board a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for every passenger on their watercraft.  Today, life jackets come in many sizes, are lightweight, and comfortable for any boating activity.

Have a Fire Extinguisher On Board Your Vessel

Boats are required to carry U.S. Coast Guard approved, marine-type fire extinguishers, in case of a fire from the engines or the fuel system. The boater shouldn't have to travel more than half the length of their boat to reach the fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers should be inspected by the boater to ensure they are properly charged, stored, and undamaged. 

Thunderstorm Safety

Thunderstorms can be frightening to a boat operator and its passengers. They develop suddenly and bring strong, gusty winds, lightening, and torrential downpours, which can turn a pleasurable day on the lake into a nightmare. All thunderstorms generally produce lightening and a strike to a vessel can be catastrophic, especially if it results in fire or a loss of electronics. If your boat doesn't have a cabin, stay as low as you can in your boat. If thunderstorms are a possibility, stay in - waiting it out is better than riding it out in a storm. 

Iguana Boat Sales Wants You to Have a Safe and Fun Time on the Water

Before getting in your boat at the Lake of the Ozarks, make sure you take the appropriate measures to ensure your safety on the water. By being prepared, paying attention to the weather forecast, and stocking your boat with the required items, your lake outing should not only be safe, but enjoyable! Iguana Boat Sales delivers exceptional value, exclusive selection, and above all outstanding customer service. We have selected some of the best boat brands to offer you the right combination of price, quality, and value. Visit our showroom in Osage Beach, if you are in the market for a used or new boat at the Lake of the Ozarks. We look forward to showing you our inventory.

 

573-355-5027
Check out our Website:
Iguana Boat Sales
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Google+

4363 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO