Covid-19 Boating and Safe Social Distancing Tips

New Jersey has not announced any restrictions on boating.

It is up to all of us to practice safe social distancing and safety on the water to keep our waterways open.

Get ready to go boating
In addition to sunscreen, pack sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and disposable gloves. Use gloves when handling shared
lines, dock carts and fuel pumps. Pack all your food and drinks — chances are your favorite places to stop will be closed.

Navigating the Boat Ramp
Get your boat ready to launch away from others. Have only your crew handle the lines when backing down the ramp to
launch. Normal boat ramp etiquette is a perfect method of keeping your distance from other boaters. While your crew
boards the boat, the vehicle driver parks the rig and directly boards the boat and clears the ramp.

Wet Slips
Limit your slip space to only your crew. Avoid the common courtesy of helping others with their lines or accepting help
unless there is an immediate need to avoid injury or damage. Wash your hands or use sanitizer after handling someone
else’s boat or lines.

High and Dry
Before requesting your boat to be launched, make sure you and your crew are totally ready to get away from the dock as
soon as your boat is put into the water. Stay away from others waiting for their boats to launch. Consider launching on a
schedule to avoid multiple crews waiting for their boats.

On the Water
Do not raft up or beach your boat with other boats. Even if you know the others on the other boat, rafting can create an
unsafe environment, and, in some states, this activity has led to officials closing access to the water. Anchoring close
enough for your boat to swing without hitting other boats is a safe distance. Find a secluded spot away from others to
relax. Otherwise, cruise, sail, fish, ski, jump wakes, or drag the kids until it is time to relax!

Returning to the dock
Follow the same guidelines as launching your boat. This is not the time for fish stories back on the dock. Square away
your boat and keep moving home.