Stillwater Boat Rentals > Boat Safety

Follow State and Federal Regulations.

There are many State and Federal laws governing boating on the St. Croix River. To learn these regulations log onto the State of Minnesota DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/boating or ask us for a current MN Boating Guide booklet.

Take A Boating Course

Boating classes are available through the State of MN DNR. These courses are sponsored by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and local US Power Squadron and are a wonderful resource for boaters. To learn more about the types of boating classes available in your area log onto the DNR's website at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html

Wear Your Personal Floatation Device>(PFD or life jacket).

Wearing your life jacket can save your life. Coast Guard statistics estimated 75% of the people who drown might have been saved if they had been wearing a life jacket. Children 13 years and younger are required by law to wear life vests the entire time they are on the boat.

Do not drink alcohol or use other controlled substances while boating.

Stillwater Boat Rentals prohibits the driver to use alcohol or drugs at any time during the rental. According to the Coast Guard a boater who was legally intoxicated was 10 times more likely to become involved in a fatal accident than one who was sober.

Stay within the Minnesota Waterway Markers.

The boating channel lies between green and red markers. These markers are in the form of a buoy, sign or light either in the water or on the shore. When boating upstream (North of the Stillwater Gas Dock), green markers are on your left and red markers on your right. When heading downstream (South of the Stillwater Gas Dock) green markers are on your right and red markers on your left. North of the Stillwater Gas Dock is especially hazardous whenever the water level is low. There are numerous shallow areas and often hidden debris near the islands. If you do not stay in the designated boating channel, these dangers cannot be easily identified before it is too late and the boat is either damaged or is stuck in the sand. When the water is very low, we may ask you to stay south of the Stillwater Gas Dock for a safer and more enjoyable outing.

Be Aware of Weather Changes While Boating.

A day that starts out sunny and pleasant can quickly turn threatening as thunderstorms develop. According to the DNR, most bad weather in Minnesota comes from the west or southwest. If you see threatening weather developing, turn the boat around and head to safety. If you have a rental boat and you are not close to returning it the Stillwater Gas Dock, head to the closest marina to wait out the storm. Put on your life preserver. If the water is rough, angle the bow (front) of the boat at a 45 degree angle into the waves. Fasten down all loose gear. Seat your passengers in the bottom of the boat, as close to the centerline as possible. Once you have made it to safe harbor, please call the rental office at (651) 439-0350 to let us know you are safe and your location.

Plan Before Docking.

Planning your approach is important in order to successfully dock your boat. You will have more control of your boat if you approach against the wind or current. Anticipate what might happen and have an idea of how you would recover if it does. Boats do not have brakes so make your approach cautiously and slowly, with just enough speed to maintain control against the river current and waves. Tell your crew what you want them to do before getting close to the dock. Make sure no one is dangling their arms or legs outside the boat while docking to prevent injuries. Ask someone to handle the dock lines and prepare the fenders. Hand the dock lines to the dock attendants if possible. If it is necessary to throw the lines, toss them underhand close to one side of the attendants, never directly at them.

If you have a Fire Onboard.

If a fire occurs, stop your boat immediately. According to the US Power Squadron, most fires occur in the engine department. Never open a closed engine department that contains a fire. The best reaction to a fire in your boat is to leave your craft and swim as far away as possible. Save your fire extinguisher to help other boaters.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings & Be Courteous to Other Boaters.

Go slow and do not create a wake (turbulence or waves) in the no-wake zones. If you are passing another boat going in the same direction, keep sufficient distance to avoid an accident or endanger the other boat. When meeting another boat head-on, each boat must turn to the right. In a narrow channel also stay to the right. Also, be watchful for and keep a safe distance from swimmers, canoes, jet skis and other boaters along your route. Non-motorized craft (i.e. canoes and sailboats) have the right of way.

If An Accident Happens.

Despite being careful, accidents can happen. The DNR gives the following steps if an accident does occur. (1) Stop at the scene and assist others who are in trouble if you can do so safely (required by law). (2) Don't risk your life or the lives of others to save equipment. (3) Summon help by dialing 911. (4) If a second boat or property is involved, exchange your name and boat number with the other operator or owner (as required by law) and report accident to Stillwater Boat Rentals (651) 439-9000. (5) Promptly report all boating accidents to the county sheriff when there is: 1) property damage of $2,000 or more, 2) personal injury or 3) fatality. This is required by law.