This page displays, in the left sidebar, all of the currently published boating tips. 

These tips are displayed one at a time on the MarcoBoatingClub.org home page. Each time that page is opened or refreshed, one is chosen at random and displayed near the top of the left sidebar.

 Boating Tip – Personal Watercraft (PWC) 

  • Drivers of PWCs must follow the same “rules of the road” as other boaters, including passing and observing no wake and idle zones.
  • If multiple PWCs are riding together, maintain sufficient distance between PWCs to avoid hitting anyone who might fall off a PWC
  • Each PWC should have the proper safety equipment, including a signaling device such as a whistle tied to a life jacket

 Boating Tip - "Red, Right, Return" 

  • Red, triangular markers should be on your right when returning from sea
  • Around an island, it’s not always obvious if you are returning or leaving
  • Numbers get larger as you return from sea, so if numbers are increasing, you are “returning”

Boating Tip - Marco Island "Return" Directions

The "Return" direction for the "Red, Right, Return" rule* changes as you navigate around an island. Here are the "Return" directions near Marco Island. Click on the image for a more detailed view.

*  Keep Red markers on your Right when Returning from sea.

Boating Tip – Life Jackets Save Lives

  • The US Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of over 80% of boating fatality victims
  • Make sure your life jackets fit properly
  • Attach a whistle & waterproof life to every life jacket to aid in locating and recovery of persons overboard

Boating Tip – Signaling Device Required 

  • ALL watercraft – boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, jet skis – are required to have an efficient sound producing device
  • A marine whistle tied to a life jacket is a good way to meet this requirement

Boating Tip – Safe Summer Boating

Weather in the summer months can be unpredictable and change quickly. Be prepared by:

  • Checking the forecast with your local National Weather Service (NWS) coastal office before you leave your dock
  • Check the latest NWS buoy observations from the National Data Buoy Center
  • Make sure your boat has all essential & required safety equipment including Life Jackets, Fire Extinguishers, Flares, Communication Devices including cell phones, weather radios
  • Apps are available for up to the minute information

In SW Florida, storms tend to form over land in the summer. If you see storms forming, head to a safe place as soon as possible.

Boating Tip - Manatees are on the move. Watch out below!

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds boaters to go slow and keep an eye out for manatees as the slow-moving mammals naturally disperse from their winter refuges.