We want you to stay safe at Bayport Marina while you’re here! To that end, below, we’ve compiled a list of important safety reminders in regard to the marina and the St. Croix River as well!
- AED’s (Automated Defibrillator) – These are located at the Fuel Dock and in the BMA Clubhouse.
- FIRST AID KITS – These are located at the Fuel Dock, the BMA Office, and the Service Department.
- ELECTRIC SHOCK DROWNING – Please remember that there is NO swimming or entering the water allowed at any time in the Bayport Marina Harbor because of the risk of Electrical Shock Drowning. To learn more about the risks posed by electricity in the harbor waters, please read this article from Boating Magazine.
- STORM SAFETY – Should a particularly strong storm arise when you are at the marina, or you feel that the weather has become dangerous for any reason, the safest place is the Northwest corner of the Service Department. The inside of your boat parked in your slip is also very safe since the docks are lower than the surrounding land. If it is after BMA Office hours and you need to access a safe place, please contact the security guard(s) on duty and they will assist you.
- DO YOU KNOW HOW TO SWIM? DO YOUR KIDS? – In the land of 10,000 lakes (and rivers), everyone should know how to swim. Every year the Red Cross and YMCA offer swimming and water safety classes. Learn more about the Red Cross’ classes! Learn more about the YMCA’s classes!
- FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, FLOATATION DEVICES, AND LADDERS – These are located on all the docks! There are fire extinguishers and floatation devices at the safety stations all along each of the docks. There are also small ladders at the ends of our fingers in order to get out of the water should anyone accidentally fall in.
- PET LIFE JACKETS – Your pets need life jackets too!
- ALCOHOL AND BOATING – Almost HALF of all boating accidents involve alcohol, and operating a boat while under the influence is a federal offense – subject to large fines and jail time. Alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. These impairments increase the likelihood of accidents afloat for both passengers and boat operators. U.S. Coast Guard data shows that in boating deaths involving alcohol use, over half the victims capsized their boats and/or fell overboard.
Alcohol is even more hazardous on the water than on land. The marine environment, motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind, and spray accelerates a drinker’s impairment. These stressors cause fatigue that makes a boat operator’s coordination, judgment, and reaction time decline even faster when using alcohol. Learn more here, here, and at Operation Dry Water – and stay safe!
- BUY SAFETY EQUIPMENT – You can purchase additional safety equipment at a discount through our Boating Accessories Catalog!
- BMA RULES & POLICIES + SWIMING POOL RULES – Please read through the BMA Swimming Pool Rules & BMA Rules & Policies carefully if you will be staying with us and using the pool!
- ST. CROIX CROSSING & RIVER CONSTRUCTION – There is still a lot of work happening on the St. Croix River for the new “St. Croix Crossing”. Below are two safety reminders:
12. LIFE JACKETS – “If you’re not a fish, you should wear one!” Below is an infographic on how to properly fit a life jacket from Boat US.
