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Houseboating tips
Tuesday, July 12th, 2005 by GetawayBC.com
Better Houseboating!
Chart your course: Decide ahead of time what beaches or parks you’d like to visit. Beaches can get crowded quickly, especially during peak tourism months.
Command cleanliness: Assigning a special chore to everyone can help keep the houseboat tidy, especially when sand is being tracked into the house by beach-treading feet.
Musical memories: Giving your vacation a soundtrack will help ensure lively memories. Check with the houseboat company to see if a CD player is on board, and bring a variety of music.
Heating it up: Hot tubs are a great way to fend off the odd night-time chill. They’re romantic for houseboating couples, a good way to warm up after a swim in the lake, and add spice to the houseboating experience.
Shoreline Exploring: Don’t neglect the joys of land. Many hiking trails abound in the vicinity of Shuswap Lake. Make sure you bring proper footwear and a camera.
Sun spotting: Since the beautiful skies will be right over your head, don’t forget to tune into the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets that can be found on Shuswap Lake. You’ll treasure the memories forever.
Safety Tips
Practicing the buddy system is helpful when swimming, as frequent location-changing can be confusing. Don’t underestimate the power of the sun’s rays. Make sure your sunscreen supply is sufficient, and apply it frequently. Pack a sunburn relief gel just in case.
Make sure you have a first aid kit, and let everyone on the boat know where it is.
Consider purchasing inexpensive walkie-talkies. They’ll come in handy when the kids ask to explore the trails.
Educate yourself on harmful plants, like poison ivy, and make sure everybody knows what not to touch.
Confirm the presence of life jackets and fire extinguishers. Make sure young children are comfortable with wearing a life jacket, and educate all passengers on how to operate the fire extinguisher.
Sunshine and water can increase the effects of alcohol. Breathing in the Shuswap air and relaxing on the top deck may be as intoxicating as a six-pack, and is much safer. Always designate a driver to operate the boat in case of emergency.
Don’t use the generator while anchored, or use only for short periods of time. Some houseboats can trap generator fumes, causing drowsiness and, in extreme cases, suffocation.
Always know where everyone is. Discourage people from swimming under the swim platform.
When docking for the night, make sure the proper lights are turned on so other boaters can see you and that the boat is securely anchored.
Many boats are equipped with a radio, but it’s a good idea to back that up with a cellphone in case of emergency.;