Be safe on busy boat ramps
by Department for Infrastructure and Transport 15 Apr 2022 04:45 BST
Have your boat ready to go before launching it © Department for Infrastructure and Transport
As boat ramps are always super busy over the Easter and April school holidays, please be patient.
Remember, boat ramps can be slippery so take extra care and follow these simple steps to launch and retrieve your boat safely and quickly:
- Prepare your boat and trailer off the boat ramp in the rigging area - covers off, remove trailer straps, charge your battery at home and flick on the battery master switch when preparing, tilt the outboard engine up, bungs in, prime your motor and get deck lines ready.
- Don't jump the queue - boats coming in off the water have right of way over departing boats.
- Use one boat lane only
- Be quick - don't leave your boat tied to the ramp or pontoon longer than 10 minutes.
- Pack up off the ramp
Follow these steps and be patient waiting for others to launch and coming in off the water.
Remember there are slower speed limits in place around boat ramps. Keep to the four-knot speed limit on the water in these busy areas.