River Cruising Etiquette – Are You Making a Splash (And Not in a Good Way?)
Australia has always been a hotspot for water-based activities. What else would we do with all that water? It isn’t just surfing, fishing and speedboats cutting through the wake; we’ve undergone a recent shift in water activities, with a steep uptick in pontoon boats for relaxing river cruising. With that shift in activities, the question of river cruising etiquette continually pops up as water users accommodate an influx of activity with boaters who may be brand new to the river. So, let’s talk about river cruising etiquette.
Etiquette Tips
Pontoon boats are slow-moving, and the rivers they’re taking to are most frequently populated by speedboats, so there will be growing pains. Water users need to be mindful of wake (pontoons have a larger surface area to disperse more water) and slow down when close to other boats or water users. Learning to boat safely will protect your safety, investment and the water environment.
Low freeboard boats are the most susceptible to large wake disturbance and capsizing, so you should steer clear. Additionally, there is a risk of large wakes damaging jetties, docks, moored boats and even waterfront properties. So, you must follow the rules about staying the correct distance from the shore. You must stay 200 metres clear of divers and fishermen and 60 metres clear of swimmers, surfers, dive flags and floats. Many areas have clear boundaries designated for swimming, surfing, etc.
Be aware of hazards, while some are visible or marked with buoys, many are submerged and present an active danger. This is a particular hazard around low tide, so always check the conditions as you plan your cruise. Hazards may include bridge footings, pylons, navigation aids and debris. Always familiarise yourself with the area’s hazards before you travel.
Responsible Pontoon Boat Cruising
The key is to be aware of your surroundings and reduce your speed when other boats are near. As long as you’re mindful of the wake you create and how it will affect your environment, you shouldn’t run into any issues. If you’re considerate of others, you shouldn’t break any unspoken etiquette rules. Ultimately, they all come back to one point: remembering that you aren’t the only one there to have fun in the water!
There’s room for everyone if we all follow the etiquette.
If you’re thinking about investing in a river cruise boat, be ready to practice your river etiquette once you hit the water, whether you’re looking for a mid-sized pontoon with plenty of storage space or a luxe model with a lavish lounge for total relaxation.
