What To Do About Snow on the Dock

By MSW -
There has been a lot of snow over the past few months in Missouri! If you have been experiencing accumulation in your area, then you might be wondering if the snow could be causing issues for your dock or boat. Firstmate Controls has the answers for you in today's blog! Keep reading to learn how to check your dock and what kinds of issues snow accumulation might cause.



Checking Your Dock


First and foremost, it is very important for you to make sure you keep yourself safe while you are checking on your dock and boat. Snow, ice, and precipitation are slippery and it can easily cause you to slip and fall into the water. If that happens, it only takes a few minutes for your body to start reacting badly to the cold water, cramping up and making it difficult to stay afloat. In fact, it only takes about 15-20 minutes for hypothermia to start setting in. For that reason, it is incredibly important to wear a life jacket when you are inspecting the dock, especially if you're alone. If you're making repairs or spending a long amount of time on the dock, it could also be a good idea to lower your stairs/ ladder/steps into the water. That way, if you fall in, you will have an easier and quicker way to get out.


Weight of Snow


If you get too much snow on your dock, the weight can really add up. Too much additional weight on your dock's floats could actually sink your dock. We've seen it before and it's not pretty. To help prevent this, pay attention to the amount of snowfall and try clearing your dock before it becomes too much. 




Tripping Hazard


If your dock is cluttered with kayaks, paddle boards, and other water toys, the snow coverage could make it hard to see where you should step and where you shouldn't. No one wants to trip and fall face first in the snow or into the frigid water. 

Instead, keep your dock organized and free from trip hazards with the Firstmate Controls' Bracket Buddy system! The Bracket Buddy mounts don't require any drilling, so they can be easily placed, moved, and removed without causing any damage. Get a kayak mount, paddle board mount, paddle holder, and more from our website full of the best dock accessories on the market! 


Boat Lift Controls You Can Count On!

Firstmate Controls 
410 Century Business Drive
Labadie, MO 63055

Phone: (866) 570-9707

Location: Osage Beach, MO, USA

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