Always think safety first. Paying attention to your surroundings, other boat traffic, the activities of passengers on the boat, swimmers in the water and weather conditions is a great start for a safe day on the water.

Bermuda Water Safety Council LogoThe Bermuda Water Safety Council is a great resource for learning about safety on the water. They offer lots of tips, resources and links. Click here to visit their website.

Bermuda Law prohibits speeds in excess of 5 knots within 100 yards or 300 feet of any shore line, except inside shipping channels. The Law also prohibits you from throwing a wake in these areas. So if your boat is making waves behind you - slow down!

Please do not anchor on reefs as they are protected. Do not touch or take any coral, living or dead. Fines can be as high as $5,000.

Please do not beach your rental boat. They are too heavy to push off when the tide goes out. You may also damage the bottom of the boat.

Anchoring your boat is not difficult to do for the novice. Face the boat into the wind (check which way other boats are facing). Stop the boat and leave the engine in neutral. Then just let the anchor out over the bow till it hits the bottom. Feed the rope out till the rope is at a 45 degree angle. Then tie the rope to the cleat and when the boat has come to rest you can turn the engine off and you’re done.