There’s nothing like bringing your friends and family together for some quality time at the lake. As you go about different activities, having proper dock safety features in place is a big part of keeping the good times rolling.
There are a few basic features that we highly recommend. Each of these have been shown to prevent accidents and maintain a secure environment for everyone. As you read through and think about which is best for your dock, think about its individual needs. Consider what will help make your individual property the most secure it can be.
Non-slip Surface
When you and your family are excited to get out on the water, it can be tempting for young ones to run for the boat. Having a non-slip surface on your dock will keep them on their feet and prevent potential accidents.
Not only that but the increased traction it provides makes it safer for you while you’re loading and unloading your boat for activities. If you’re going back and forth loading fishing poles, coolers, tubes, or small children, having reliable footing allows you to move back and forth as you please.
Lighting
Just in case you decide to catch the sunset out on the lake, having proper lighting around your dock will help you navigate when you get back in. With increased visibility you can see and avoid obstacles, unload safely, and ensure everybody gets back safely. Plus, it adds a beautiful ambience to your property making it an even more enjoyable place to be.
Railings
Installing railings on your dock will do a few things for you. First and foremost it will give you peace of mind. If you have kids or pets running around, railings improve dock safety and gives them a secure environment to roam. You won’t have to worry about them going for any unwanted swims.
Secondly, railings improve dock stability. When the weather is bad or there’s slippery conditions it’s nice to have something to hold onto and guide your way. For anyone who may need extra help maneuvering, installing railings will help them move more freely.
Secure Cleats
Boats are one of the greatest investments a person can make. That being said, you don’t want to wake up in the morning and look outside to see your boat drifting away. It’s easy to think about securing your boat to the cleat but even more important is making sure your cleats are securely attached to the dock.
Regularly inspecting your cleats and ensuring they are properly attached will make sure that everything stays where it should in every weather and season. It helps keep your boat in place and prevents any potential damages from strong winds or waves.
WaveLink is an electrical identification technology. It uses a software-based approach that learns your dock, surrounding structures, power supply, and the surrounding water. It enables the machine to keep an eye on the area and alert you when there’s dangerous electrical activity.
What’s nice about WaveLink is that it connects straight to your phone. From the palm of your hand you’ll be able to get updates or alerts if there’s a dangerous amount of electricity near your dock. WaveLink is an incredible safety feature that will monitor your swimming and loading area keeping everyone safe.
Read more about how WaveLink works here.
“Noticed a very dangerous situation with a broken lift so I called Daniel at Lake Martin Dock. Texted a picture of the break to Justin and he had a crew here the next morning to make the repair. Unbelievably responsive on a very busy holiday week. Many thanks for taking care of us. Fantastic crew did a great job. Our dock was in use again by lunch. LMDC is the best. Great people”
-Cleav Peavy
Installation and Maintenance
As you read through each of these features, keep in mind that proper installation and regular maintenance is a fundamental part of safety. Each feature must be installed correctly in order to ensure that it will function properly.
Regular inspections and upkeep allow you to identify and address any potential hazards as soon as possible. The sooner you fix possible problems the more you’ll save in the long run. The little fixes all add up in the end to elongate the lifespan of your dock.
Summer Peace of Mind
Whether it’s updating your surface to be non-slip or replacing those rusty loose handrails, every contribution you make to improve safety is a huge win. Anything you do to make your property a more secure environment is an investment in good times and worry free weekends.
If you’re looking to upgrade your property but unsure of where to start, what will work for your individual needs, or just need general help on maintenance issues, reach out to Lake Martin Dock Company. Our team will come out and make sure everything is up to date and as safe as possible.
