BOAT SAFETY POLICY
May 2016
POLICY
It is DRCC policy to promote safety at all times for both clients and staff while using the DRCC pontoon boat and other watercraft such as canoes and kayaks. The primary purpose of these boats is to provide recreational experiences for our clients. Clients are required to be under the supervision of DRCC staff persons who have successfully completed the DRCC Boat Safety Training course. Staff may use the pontoon boat without client involvement only for DRCC business (e.g. staff meetings) with the involvement of the Program Director.
The maximum number of people on the pontoon boat at any one time is limited to 7 persons. There must be a minimum of two staff persons on board if more than one client is on the boat. At least one of the staff persons must have successfully completed the DRCC Boat Safety Training. When clients are on board, everyone must wear a life jacket. There are Coast Guard approved life jackets in varying sizes stowed in the lockers under the seats of the pontoon boat and in the shed next to the dock. A fire extinguisher, a safety hook, and a throwable ring buoy are on the boat for use in an emergency. A map of Island Lake and a portable GPS unit will also be on board.
Water safety and client swimming ability are individually addressed in each person’s Coordinated Service and Support Plan Addendum. Know this plan, and follow the directives exactly. Clients are to be supervised at all times while in or near the water. For those clients who wish to swim/jump off the pontoon boat, their Coordinated Service and Support Plan Addendum must specifically approve this activity and address whether or not they will be required to wear a life jacket while swimming in this manner. Swimming from the pontoon is generally not advised in open water, as there is no swim ladder available. When the pontoon boat is not tied to the dock, at least one boat safety certified staff person must remain on board at all times. If a staff person is uncomfortable with any water safety issues, they may decide to not allow swimming.
PROCEDURES
Use of the pontoon boat, kayaks, and canoes are allowed only during daylight hours from sunrise to ½ hour prior to sunset, as defined in the Minnesota Boating Guide.
As the name implies, Island Lake contains many islands, making it easy to get disoriented and LOST. Pay close attention to your surroundings at all times and don’t venture too far away from the immediate cabin area until you are comfortably familiar with the environment. Also be aware that the water level varies constantly: stay well away from rocks, reefs, islands, and shore.
Only staff persons who have successfully completed the current year’s DRCC Boat Safety Training will be eligible to operate the pontoon boat. Staff who have attended the training for two years do not have to repeat the training. Reservations are made through the DRCC Pontoon Reservation Calendar available through the calendar function of each program’s email. Only those programs that have staff with current boat safety certification will be issued keys to the pontoon boat. Other programs will be issued keys to the gate and cabin only. The Program Director (or, in some cases, the Program Coordinator) will be responsible for the appropriate use of these keys.