Showing posts with label boating safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boating safety. Show all posts

Friday, May 22, 2020

National Safe Boating Week Safety Tips!

For National Safe Boating Week (May 16th-22nd), BomBay Boat Rental Co. is bringing you great tips on how to have a safe a fun day on the water. As the best boat rental company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know what it takes to stay safe on the water without sacrificing fun. Keep reading to learn more and get ready to have a great holiday weekend boating at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Photo Credit: FunLake

Stay Familiar with the Weather


Missouri weather can be fairly unpredictable, so it's important to check the forecast more than once as you get ready to head out for a day of fun. If it starts to rain, it is important to turn back and switch to fun land activities. You may think that a light rain isn't too dangerous; however, that is not always the case. Rain can seriously impede a driver's ability to see other boats, obstacles, and other potentially dangerous objects. When you're driving on the road, you know where to expect other cars to be. But out on the water, there aren't any road lines and a boat can appear in your path before you know it.

Drink Responsibly


As the driver of the boat, of course, you shouldn't drink at all. Drinking and driving carries the same limits and penalties on water as it does on land. As passengers, it's important to drink responsibly while you're out on the water. If you drink too much, it could be very easy for a serious accident to occur. Tripping and falling into the water can quickly turn from a silly blooper into a devastating accident. If you are drinking, make sure to eat plenty of food and stay hydrated throughout the day.


Use Life Jackets


Legally, you must have coast guard approved life jackets on board and accessible for everyone on the boat. That means stowing life jackets deep in the boat under a lot of other supplies could be dangerous. It's also important that the life jackets are the right size and weight rating for your occupants. If someone weighs 200 pounds, a life jacket rated for 150 pounds will be useless. And for someone that weighs 100 pounds (perhaps your teenage kid), an extra large life jacket won't help keep them afloat. Before casting off for a fun day on the Lake, make sure everyone has a life jacket that fits them well and store them in a place that is easily and quickly accessible in case of an emergency.

Take Care of Yourself


It's easy to get excited about finally getting out on the water after spending time prepping the boat, but don't neglect your personal health and safety! Be sure to apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) and bring more to reapply, pack snacks and/or a lunch, fill water bottles to stay hydrated and avoid heat exhaustion, and bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays. A fun day on the water can suddenly feel not so great if you experience hunger pains, heat exhaustion, dehydration, or sunburn. Take care of yourself this summer!

Boating at Lake of the Ozarks 


Get ready for an incredible summer at the Lake of the Ozarks by renting a boat from BomBay Boat Rental. We have the best boats available and we can even deliver to you by water! Leave the boat maintenance to us and focus on the fun this season!



BETTER PRODUCT, BETTER PRICES, BETTER PEOPLE!

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Location: VLG OF 4 SSNS, MO 65049, USA

Friday, March 6, 2020

Get Certified and Ready for the Season!

Soon the Lake will be bustling with spring and summer activity! BomBay Boat Rentals offers the best boat and jet ski rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we can’t wait for each of our locations to open soon. Get ready for the season and boating with BomBay by getting your Missouri Boaters Certification. Today we are talking about how easy it is to get your certification for a safer, more worry-free day on the Lake. Read on to learn how!


Do I Need to be Certified?


If you were born after January 1st, 1984, then you will need to get your Missouri Boating Certificate before you operate a boat or personal watercraft (PWC) at the Lake of the Ozarks. (Note: Out of state licenses are honored by the state of Missouri.)

If you were born before January 1st, 1984, you do not legally need a Missouri Boating Certificate to operate a boat, but the class could still be a very helpful tool for you while you’re out on the water. The Lake of the Ozarks is the #1 recreation lake in the United States, so it is a very popular destination with a lot of boat traffic during the season. Taking the class and getting your certification could teach you the laws of the water and help you stay safer.

How Long Does Certification Last?


Once you have gone through the class and passed the test, you will receive your Boater Education Card that lasts for life. You don’t have to retake the exam over and over once you are certified.


What to Know About the Exam


You can take an in-seat class if you prefer to learn in-person, and a written test will be administered at the end of the class. However, there is also a very convenient online option that can be found at www.boat-ed.com/missouri/.

The course itself is only $41.50 (remember, it’s for life!). This gives you access to the course and several other resources to help you be successful, including a study guide for the exam. You will not have to make the payment until you have passed the exam. You will also get two chances to take the exam and pass.


How Long Until My Card Arrives?


The official Missouri Boating Certification Card will be mailed to the address you provided during the Boating Education Course and examination. It takes about 45 days for the card to arrive via mail, so a temporary operating permit can be printed in the meantime. This will allow you to enjoy the open waters while you wait for the official card to arrive.


Boating with BomBay


BomBay Boat Rental does not require a Missouri Boating Certification to rent a boat. However, you could receive hefty fines from the State of Missouri if you were born after January 1st, 1984 and do not have one.

If you get here and want to rent a boat at the Lake of the Ozarks, but forgot to get your license, there is one more option. Each of our locations offers a one-time, temporary 7-day certificate for just $9. Keep in mind that this is temporary and you can only go this route once. The Boating Education Course can help you feel more confident out on the water so you have a more relaxed vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Soon our locations will be opening and ready to go for the beautiful spring and summer seasons at the Lake. We have the best rental boats at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we can’t wait to share them with you in the 2020 season!


BETTER PRODUCT, BETTER PRICES, BETTER PEOPLE!


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Location: VLG OF 4 SSNS, MO 65049, USA

Friday, October 7, 2016

Beginner Boaters- Now's The Time to Test The Water!

Boating in the fall can be the perfect time for a novice boater to get some hours under his or her belt. The water is calm, the weather is comfortable and there are fewer people zipping around; a recipe for boating success! If you want to experience recreational boating but feel you need some practice behind the wheel, now is a great time and, renting a boat at the Lake of the Ozarks is an easy and affordable way to get your feet wet (literally!). From PWCs and ski boats to Tritoons, BomBay Boat Rentals has all the equipment and rental options to build a great day on the water! We offer some advice to our lake lovers that are still getting comfortable on the water.


Once you’ve decided to rent, where do you start?


BomBay Boat Rental Company has three convenient locations to welcome you and give you all the options you desire to meet your boating needs. Once you’ve chosen the best location you will find that we offer the best fleet of boats around! Depending on the size and desire of your party, we have ski boats for the fast fun seekers, spacious Tritoons for serious relaxation and comfort, and waverunners for the adventurous!


Now that you’ve chosen your boat, what do you need?


Autumn is upon us and while we’re fortunate that warm afternoons are typical of the Midwest fall season, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather before and during your trip so you’re not caught by surprise. You’ll want to dress appropriately. Fall days can bring significant changes in temperature and conditions. It’s better to have layers on so you can adapt easily when the weather gets warmer or cooler. You won’t want to forget a map! If you’re planning on spending the day navigating the large Lake of the Ozarks, and you're not familiar with the area, you’ll want to find out about possible shallow areas or obscurities. Let someone know where you’ll be and when you expect to be back- darkness comes earlier this time of year and you won't want to get caught out at night.


You’re on the water, what do you do now?


Wear a life jacket if you are an inexperienced boater, and children should always wear a PFD. It’s even more important when the weather is cooler. During autumn, the days might be warm, but cold nights mean the water can be chilly. Next, have fun! The Lake of the Ozarks has a variety of waterfront restaurants that are open in the fall and you will find other boaters out enjoying the same beautiful Ozark weather you are.


Autumn’s arrival doesn’t mean the boating season has come to an end and it can be an excellent time for beginner boaters to gain experience and knowledge about boating. BomBay Boat Rentals is committed to great customer service and would be happy to assist you with your rental. Our fall boat rentals are an exceptional value and impeccably well maintained. You can always count on a dependable rental from Bombay Boat Rentals!

BETTER PRODUCT, BETTER PRICES, BETTER PEOPLE!

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Location: Osage Beach, MO 65065, USA

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Fun Facts for Labor Day Weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks

Everyone at the lake is gearing up for an exciting Labor Day Weekend, and most of you that don't live here are getting ready to head our way! This is a great weekend to get out on the water and take advantage of the best boat rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks. 

 All of the summer attractions are still open and there is incredible live music scheduled at all of the waterfront hot spots. When you stop to enjoy some of these places, you'll need some interesting conversation topics. BomBay Boat Rental Co. found a few Labor Day fun facts to make you sound like an expert. 

Labor Day Fun Facts

-New York City was the location for the very first Labor Day parade on September 5, 1882. It was organized by the Central Labor Union to honor workers with a fun festival that they could enjoy with their families. 

 -So many states began recognizing Labor Day as a holiday on their own, a bill was approved on June 28, 1894 to make it a legal holiday on the first Monday of every September. 

 -Canada celebrates their Labour Day along with the U.S.A., but over 80 other counties honor International Worker's Day on May 1 instead.

 -In the 19th century, many Americans were required to work 12-hour work days, and some of them didn't even get a day off! (When did they go boating?) The Adamson Act strove to remedy this horrible fact in 1916 by declaring that the work day could be no longer than 8 hours. 

-Many in the retail industry claim that Labor Day Weekend is the 2nd largest sales weekend of the year after Black Friday. Perfect, because while those people are busy shopping, there's more open space on the lake for you to cruise!  

 -Labor Day is the third most popular holiday to enjoy a good old-fashioned BBQ, beat out only by Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Those are also huge days for boating, and there is plenty of room on our Lake of the Ozarks boat rentals for coolers and picnic baskets.  

 Your friends will think you're quite the informed history buff when you whip those facts out. If they don't seem impressed enough, no worries, just hop back in the boat and let the hum of the engine fill the silence. You'll all be having such a great time out on the lake that it won't matter. 

Stay Safe on the Water

While you are having all that fun, BomBay Boat Rental Co. wants to make sure you stay as safe as possible. Make sure to remember the following tips while you are out on the water, especially on a busy holiday weekend.

  • Slow down.
  • Be aware of other watercraft & people in the water. 
  • Fill out a float plan before you take off. 
  • Keep an eye on your gas levels and the weather forecast. 
  • ALWAYS have a designated captain. NO drinking & boating EVER!

Come Back Again This Fall

It's going to be a busy weekend at the lake, and we can't wait! The fun doesn't stop after this weekend though. Even though the bulk of the crowd won't be here in the fall, the weather is still perfect for boating, and the upcoming autumn scenery is simply breathtaking. 


You can go ahead and reserve a Lake of the Ozarks waverunner rental or boat rental now to use this September. It's also a great time to try your hand at paddleboarding at the Lake of the Ozarks. Give us a call and we'll get you set up for a lot of fun on the water.  

  


BETTER PRODUCT, BETTER PRICES, BETTER PEOPLE!

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Location: Lake Ozark, MO, USA

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Try Your Hand At Our Quick Boating Quiz

If you were born after January 1, 1984, you need to have a Missouri Boating Education Card to operate one of our Lake of the Ozarks boat rentals. If you do not fall into that category, it's still a good idea to review the boating education study guide so that you know the safest way to operate a watercraft. 

Even seasoned boaters can benefit from brushing up on their skills occasionally. BomBay Boat Rental Co. has come up with a short quiz from things you will find in the Missouri Boater Education study guide. How well do you think you'll do?
1. A person must be how old to legally operate a motorboat or PWC without adult supervision?

  • A - 12
  • B - 14
  • C - 16

2. What do you need to have attached to you so that the jet ski will turn off if you fall off?

  • A - Safety Lanyard
  • B - A Beeper
  • C - Another rider

3. A float plan is...
  • A - A map of the coves you will float in.
  • B - A list of items you will take with you on the boat.
  • C - A form that lets someone on land know trip details, like where you will be, who is with you, and when you plan to be back. 

4. Sound signals let other boaters know what you plan to do. Two short blasts of sound indicate...
  • A - You will be passing on the port (left) side.
  • B - You will be passing on the starboard (right) side.
  • C - You are backing up.

5. Lower the boat's anchor from over...
  • A - The stern
  • B - The bow
  • C - Starboard

6. A skier-down flag must be displayed when someone is in the water. The color of this flag is...
  • A - blue or green
  • B - yellow or white
  • C - red or orange

7. A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be readily accessible for...
  • A - Everyone on board
  • B - Every other person on board
  • C - The captain

8. "Swamping" means...
  • A - The boat is turned completely over.
  • B - You are boating on the Bayou.
  • C - The boat is filling up with water.

9. A fathom measures how many feet deep?
  • A - 3
  • B - 6
  • C - 9

10. The measure of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour is a...
  • A - Knot
  • B - Lee
  • C - Keel


Was it a piece of cake, or did you have to consult the study guide a few times? We want to make sure every one of our Lake of the Ozarks boat rental customers are safe while they are out on the water, and knowing all of the rules and regulations about boating can help to keep you safe. Also, when you boat safely, it means that you will be able to come back many times to visit us here at BomBay Boat Rental Co. and get out on that beautiful lake. 


ANSWERS: 1-B / 2-A / 3-C / 4-B / 5-B / 6-C / 7-A / 8-C / 9-B / 10-A



BETTER PRODUCT, BETTER PRICES, BETTER PEOPLE!

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Location: Lake Ozark, MO, USA

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Winter Warmth on the Water

BomBay Boat Rental Company realizes that even on the coldest days, a few die-hard lake-lovers brave the cold and head out on the water.  The mild temperatures that we have had this year make it even more tempting.  If you choose to get out on the lake this winter, or even on the banks near it, you will need to take extra precautions to stay warm and safe.  The best boat rental company at the Lake of the Ozarks has a few tips for you.  
photo courtesy of  Funlake.com 

Fill out a float plan.


This goes for any season, not just in the winter.  This time of year there are very few, if any, other boats on the lake, making a float plan even more important.  It is a paper to fill out that is full of important information about your boat outing and the people that are with you.  Leave it with a reliable person on land that will notify someone if you do not return as scheduled. 

Dress warmly.


The best invention for staying warm on the water is a flotation jacket.  Often referred to as "float coats," these incredible warm winter jackets have a built-in PDF.  With one of these, you don't have to try to fit a life jacket on over a bulky coat.  It is highly suggested that if you will be in water that is colder than 70 degrees, you should wear a wetsuit.  Hypothermia is a big danger, and your body loses heat 25% faster in cold water than in cold air. 

Bring backup warmth.


Always have a dry change of clothes handy in case you end up getting wet. Also bring along extra blankets, hand warmers, hats, etc...  Have a thermos full of hot food or drink with you too.  

Wear ski goggles.


Just because it's cold out, that doesn't keep the sun from shining and glaring off of the water.  Ski goggles give your eyes protection from this, plus they keep the cold wind from getting into your eyes.       
Always have a way to contact land in case you get stuck out on the water and are unable to make your way back to shore.  If there is no way to charge your cell phone on the boat, make sure that it is at 100% before you start out, and keep an eye on it.  

 If winter is simply too cold for you to get out on the lake, we don't blame you at all.  This is a perfect time to brush up on your boating and safety knowledge. Review the Official Boater Safety Course online so you remember all of those important boating tips when you rent a boat at the Lake of the Ozarks next spring.  
photo courtesy of  Funlake.com 
Our favorite time of year will be here in a few more weeks.  (We are anxiously counting them down!)  As soon as it arrives, we expect to see all of you at BomBay Boat Rental Company so we can get you back out on the water for another awesome season at the lake.     
     
BETTER PRODUCT, BETTER PRICES, BETTER PEOPLE!

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Location: Lake Ozark, MO, USA
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