News — pet safety on boats

#PontoonPets Make Summer Fun | Pontoon-Depot

(top pic) Here’s Major, enjoying a day on the water.

Our pets are members of the family. Where we go, we want them to go - especially when we’re enjoying a day on the water in the pontoon. Take your pets with you this summer, post your photos online and tag them with #PontoonPets - or post your favorite shots from years past. Either way, we can’t wait to see them!

Check out some of these photos we’ve already received!

 And here’s Percy, navigating.

 This was Baby’s first ride on a pontoon! Isn’t Big Bear Lake California beautiful?

 This is Delilah, enjoying her ride around the water.

While you’re out on the water and capturing some great #PontoonPets pics, be sure to keep your pet safe. After all, boating with a pet isn’t much different than boating with a small child. You’ll want to take extra steps to make sure they’re secure and not becoming dehydrated or seasick.

Consider purchasing a life jacket for your pet. Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs like water - and even individual dogs of water-loving breeds may not enjoy swimming, or take to it quickly. A life jacket will help your dog relax, and give you peace of mind.

Be sure to bring plenty of water for your pet - and a bowl for him or her to drink from. It can be hot out there on the water, and your pet will need plenty to drink. But remember - what goes in must come out. Your pet will need opportunities to relieve himself, too.

Did you know your pet can get sunburned? It’s true! A minimum SPF 15 sunscreen applied to sensitive areas like your dog’s belly, nose and the interior of the ears can offer protection. Just make sure he or she doesn’t lick it off. And if your pontoon has a bimini top, be sure to raise it so your dog has a shady area to rest in.

Finally, bring along some of your dog’s favorite treats, and maybe a favorite blanket or other comfort item. This will help your dog have a great day out on the water. Because let’s face it - if your pet’s happy, you’re happy. So have fun out there and remember - tag us in those great photos with #PontoonPets!

Pontoon Boats Are Perfect for Kids and Dogs — Just be Safe

Pontoon boats are undoubtedly the ultimate family marine vessels.

No boat is more accommodating to friends, family, kids and even pets than a pontoon with a ton of deck space and good seating.

But just as with everything else, when kids and pets are involved, the safety stakes are raised.

First thing's first.

No matter how good a swimmer your child or dog is, they need to wear a life jacket. That is non-negotiable. Feel free to reread that sentence. Yes, we said "they." Your pooch needs a life preserver, too. If you have an infant, you must with a capital M invest in an infant-specific vest.

Talk to your kids about the difference between pools and open water. They may be incredibly comfortable in the pool, but completely unprepared for the lake. Teach them about the potential of steep dropoffs, currents, marine life, uneven surfaces, rapid changes in depth and, of course, changing weather on the water.

Unfortunately, you can't have these conversations with your dog. You will, therefore, whether he likes it or not, have to invest in a harness and tether. Even the best-behaved dog in the world could jump — or fall — into the water unexpectedly. A tethered harness will also keep your four-legged friend from tearing around the deck of your boat willy nilly.

Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector with fresh batteries. Slow-moving or stagnant pontoons are especially vulnerable if there's a buildup of fumes in the engine.

Finally, don't drink and boat with kids or dogs — or preferably ever. Booze and boats seem to go perfectly together, but like their four-wheeled brethren on land, a ridiculously disproportionate number of accidents can be attributed to alcohol-induced poor judgment.

Pontoon boats beckon the whole family. That's why we love them. When dogs and kids enter the equation, however, everyone on board has to be extra vigilant. Learn CPR, teach your kids to swim, use common sense and have fun!