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Producers Careers Specialty Solutions Canada

Marina owners: Spring forward and don’t fall back on safety

Expertise

March 17, 2025

As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to prepare your marina for the boating season. Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring your marina is safe and in good condition.

Here are the key steps to prepare your marina for spring, ensuring safety and functionality:

Cleaning and Maintenance:

Dock cleaning: Pressure wash to remove winter dirt and algae.
Walkway cleaning: Sweep and clear debris.
Inspect docks for tripping hazards including lifted boards or nails. Any elevated surface over ¼ inch is considered a legal tripping hazard.
Painting and staining: Touch up paint or stain as needed.
Trash Removal: Dispose of debris around the marina.
Clear winter debris from boat storage.
Ensure accessibility to slips and launch ramps.

Water System Checks:

Adjust water levels for spring activity.
Service water pumps to ensure proper circulation and drainage.

Electrical Systems:

Test all electrical systems and dock outlets.
Service any backup generators.

Safety Equipment:

Inspect life jackets and replace as needed.
Check fire extinguishers for charge and expiration dates.
Make sure first aid kits are fully stocked.

Navigation Aids:

Inspect and replace damaged
Verify channel markers are in good conditions.

Staff Training:

Conduct safety procedure refresher training.
Ensure staff are prepared to assist customers effectively.

Local regulations:

Ensure compliance with all local boating and marina regulations.

Contracts:

Review and update any contracts with vendors and storage agreements with boaters.

By following these steps, you can ensure your marina is well-maintained, compliant with regulations, and ready to welcome boaters for a safe and successful boating season.

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute and is not intended to take the place of legal or risk management advice. Readers should consult their own counsel or other representatives for any such advice. Any and all third-party websites or sources referred to herein are for informational purposes only and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Intact Insurance Group USA LLC (“Intact”). Intact hereby disclaims any and all liability arising out of the information contained herein.

Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions is the marketing brand for the insurance company subsidiaries of Intact Insurance Group USA LLC. Coverages may be underwritten by one of the following insurance companies: Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, a New York insurer; Homeland Insurance Company of New York, a New York insurer; Homeland Insurance Company of Delaware, a Delaware insurer; OBI America Insurance Company, a Pennsylvania insurer; OBI National Insurance Company, a Pennsylvania insurer; or The Guarantee Company of North America USA, a Michigan insurer. Each of these insurers maintains its principal place of business at 605 Highway 169 N, Plymouth, MN 55441, except The Guarantee Company of North America USA, which is located at One Towne Square, Southfield, MI 48076. This material is intended as a general description of certain types of insurance coverages and services. Coverages and availability vary by state; exclusions and deductibles may apply. Please refer to your insurance policy or consult with your independent insurance advisor for information about coverages, terms and conditions. Some coverage may be written by a surplus lines insurer through a licensed surplus lines broker. Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds and insureds are therefore not protected by such funds.