Prioritizing Contacting the Marina

The most important step in any boating emergency is to notify the marina first. Whether it’s a minor mechanical concern or a more serious situation, the marina team is your first line of assistance. Because Erwin Marine Sales monitors lake activity and maintains professional support crews, early communication ensures the fastest response. If your boat experiences an engine problem or becomes stranded, contacting the marina allows trained staff to provide instructions or dispatch assistance directly to your location. In many cases, minor issues can be resolved quickly with step-by-step guidance over the phone. For emergencies involving injuries or medical concerns, the marina can also coordinate with local emergency responders while guiding you on immediate safety steps.

Keeping the marina phone number readily accessible is essential. Program it into your mobile device and also store it on a laminated card provided with the boat’s onboard safety packet. This ensures that every adult onboard knows how to call for help without hesitation.

Essential Emergency Gear Provided by the Marina

When you rent a pontoon from Erwin Marine Sales, all necessary emergency gear is included and inspected prior to your departure. This equipment is not optional, it is a requirement for safe boating and provides peace of mind for everyone onboard. Typical gear provided includes:

• Coast Guard approved life jackets for every passenger
• Throwable flotation device (Type IV) for man-overboard situations
• Fire extinguisher for any onboard flame or engine-related incident
• Sound-producing device, such as a whistle or horn, for signaling
• Anchor and line for securing the boat in place if needed
• Navigation lights to remain visible if caught out after sunset

Your role as the boat operator is to know where this gear is stored and understand its purpose. During the safety orientation at the dock, marina staff will walk you through the location of each item and how to use it. This briefing takes only a few minutes but provides the foundation for confident emergency response.

Responding to Mechanical Problems

Pontoon boats are known for their reliability, but no boat is completely immune to occasional mechanical challenges. Common issues include difficulty starting the engine, loss of propulsion, or unusual noises from the motor. If this happens:

• Remain Calm and Stop the Boat – Shift to neutral and assess your surroundings.
• Contact the Marina Immediately – Explain the situation and follow their instructions.
• Use Your Anchor if Necessary – If drifting toward shore or other boats, deploy the anchor to hold position until help arrives.

By contacting the marina first, you allow our service team to guide you safely and quickly, often avoiding unnecessary stress or risk.

Handling Medical Emergencies Onboard

Even with the most relaxing pontoon cruise, unexpected medical events can occur. Whether it’s heat exhaustion, a slip and fall, or a more serious health issue, your immediate response should focus on safety and communication.

Move the affected individual to a secure, shaded area. If the situation is serious, call 911 while also notifying the marina so they can guide emergency personnel to your exact location on Chickamauga Lake. The marina will assist you in any way they can. Keeping a small personal first-aid kit is a good practice, but the most critical factor is alerting the marina as quickly as possible.

Man-Overboard and Passenger Safety

A passenger falling into the water is a scenario that demands immediate and calm action. The steps are straightforward:

• Shout “Man Overboard!” and keep eyes on the person in the water.
• Throw a Flotation Device provided by the marina.
• Reduce Speed and Approach Safely. Always keep the propeller clear of the individual.
• Assist the Passenger Aboard. Use the pontoon’s swim ladder or the side deck for retrieval.

After recovery, assess the passenger for injuries or signs of distress. If medical help is needed, notify 911 & the marina right away. Even after a successful rescue, report the incident to the marina so they can check equipment and log the event for safety purposes.

Fire or Smoke Onboard

Though rare, an onboard fire requires quick thinking. All rental pontoons come equipped with a fire extinguisher that meets Coast Guard standards. If you see smoke or flames:

• Shut Off the Engine Immediately to prevent fueling the fire.
• Use the Fire Extinguisher following the PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
• Move Passengers Away from the Fire Source while maintaining life jackets on everyone.
• Call the Marina Right Away to report the incident and receive additional guidance.

If the fire cannot be contained, prepare to abandon the boat using life jackets and flotation devices. The marina will coordinate with local authorities to assist immediately.

Weather Changes and Returning to Safety

Tennessee River weather can shift quickly, bringing sudden rain or wind gusts. If conditions worsen:

• Head Toward Shore or a Protected Cove to wait out the storm.
• Use Navigation Lights if visibility decreases.
• Alert the Marina to your location so they are aware of your precautionary stop.
• By staying ahead of changing conditions and maintaining open communication, you ensure a safer return to the dock.

Final Thoughts on Safe Boating

Preparedness is the cornerstone of enjoyable boating. By understanding emergency procedures and knowing that Erwin Marine Sales provides all required safety gear, you can focus on relaxing and creating memories with confidence. The key takeaway is simple: notify the marina first in any emergency, rely on the equipment provided, and follow basic boating safety practices.

Chickamauga Lake and the Tennessee River offer some of the most beautiful cruising in the region. By combining our reliable pontoons with your awareness of emergency procedures, your time on the water will be both safe and unforgettable.