There’s nothing like bringing your friends and family together for some quality time at the lake. As you go about different activities, having proper dock safety features in place is a big part of keeping the good times rolling.
There are a few basic features that we highly recommend. Each of these has been shown to prevent accidents and maintain a secure environment for everyone. As you read through and think about which is best for your dock, think about its individual needs. Consider what will help make your individual property the most secure it can be.
Non-slip Surface
When you and your family are excited to get out on the water, it can be tempting for young ones to run for the boat. Having a non-slip surface on your dock will keep them on their feet and prevent potential accidents.
Not only that, but the increased traction it provides makes it safer for you while you’re loading and unloading your boat for activities. If you’re going back and forth loading fishing poles, coolers, tubes, or small children, having reliable footing allows you to move back and forth as you please.
Lighting
Proper dock lighting creates a beautiful setting and also ensures your dock remains safe and usable after dark. When you’re coming in late from the water or enjoying a quiet evening outside, the right lighting helps prevent trips, missteps, and accidents.
Low-voltage dock lighting provides consistent, reliable illumination and is built to handle the demands of lakefront environments. Options like post lights, recessed deck fixtures, or underwater LEDs help define edges and improve visibility without overwhelming the space.
While solar lights might seem like an easy upgrade, they often lack the output and longevity needed for practical use. For dependable, long-term performance, professionally installed low-voltage systems are a smarter choice.
Railings
Railings give your dock structure, safety, and peace of mind, especially if you have children, pets, or guests using the space. A well-placed railing can prevent missteps near the edge, while also offering something to hold onto when surfaces are wet or unsteady.
Railings come in several materials and style options, from stainless steel and aluminum to wood, PVC, and glass. The best fit depends on your property’s aesthetic and how you use your dock. Whatever the style, quality installation ensures the railings stay secure and stand up to frequent use and changing weather.
When it comes to lakefront living, smart safety upgrades like lighting and railings are small investments that make a big difference.
Secure Cleats
Boats are one of the greatest investments a person can make. That being said, you don’t want to wake up in the morning and look outside to see your boat drifting away. It’s easy to think about securing your boat to the cleat but even more important is making sure your cleats are securely attached to the dock.
Regularly inspecting your cleats and ensuring they are properly attached will make sure that everything stays where it should in every weather and season. It helps keep your boat in place and prevents any potential damage from strong winds or waves.
Electrical Safety & WaveLink
Electricity and water should never mix, but unfortunately, many docks aren’t wired or maintained with safety in mind. That’s where proactive electrical monitoring becomes essential.
WaveLink is an advanced dock safety system that detects dangerous electrical currents in and around your dock. It continuously monitors the area and learns your dock’s power patterns, alerting you if anything abnormal occurs. It’s not just a device, it’s a safeguard for your family, pets, and guests.
Best of all, WaveLink connects directly to your phone. You’ll receive real-time alerts if dangerous voltage is detected in the water, giving you peace of mind every time someone steps onto the dock or into the lake.
Whether you’re swimming, loading up the boat, or relaxing by the water, WaveLink helps create a safer environment with minimal effort on your part.
Read more about how WaveLink works here.
“Noticed a very dangerous situation with a broken lift so— Texted a picture of the break to Justin and he had a crew here the next morning to make the repair. Unbelievably responsive on a very busy holiday week. Many thanks for taking care of us. Fantastic crew did a great job. Our dock was in use again by lunch“
-Cleav Peavy
Installation and Maintenance
As you read through each of these features, keep in mind that proper installation and regular maintenance is a fundamental part of safety. Each feature must be installed correctly in order to ensure that it will function properly.
Regular inspections and upkeep allow you to identify and address any potential hazards as soon as possible. The sooner you fix possible problems the more you’ll save in the long run. The little fixes all add up in the end to elongate the lifespan of your dock.
Quick Dock Safety Tips
- Check cleats regularly to ensure they’re secure and free of corrosion.
- Keep walking surfaces clean and dry to prevent slips, and remove algae or debris.
- Test lighting periodically to ensure visibility is consistent at night.
- Inspect railings for looseness or rust, especially before peak lake season.
- Have a GFCI outlet installed and tested regularly to prevent electrical hazards.
- Store life jackets nearby and clearly visible in case of emergency.
- Supervise children and pets at all times when near the water.
- Limit dock clutter to reduce trip hazards and maintain clear walking paths.
Summer Peace of Mind
Whether it’s updating your surface to be non-slip or replacing those rusty, loose handrails, every contribution you make to improve safety is a huge win. Anything you do to make your lakescape a more secure environment is an investment in good times and worry-free weekends.
If you’re looking to upgrade your property but unsure of where to start, what will work for your individual needs, or just need general help on maintenance issues, reach out to LakeScape. Our team will come out and make sure everything is up-to-date and as safe as possible
