Before you venture out on the waters for the new season, it's time to give your dock some attention. With Spring just around the corner, you need to ensure your dock is in good working condition and safe for you and your family to use, so make sure you check things out now, so that needed repairs can be made before the season begins.
- Check the cables and anchor points to ensure that all is properly secured and no weld points are broken.
- The connection points for the walkway and PWC platforms need to be checked to ensure they are properly secured to the dock.
- Check decking and boards to ensure they are not loose or need to be replaced. Ensure there are no trip hazards.
- Check lights, switches and plugs for electrical devices, as well as for frayed wiring.
- Check the GFCI for electrical outlets to ensure they work.
- Ensure flotation is still adequate and vegetation is removed from Styrofoam.
- Ensure solar lights that mark the dock still work.
- Check for hazards underneath the dock and clear woody or other debris.
- Check the pressure on your fire extinguishers to ensure they are properly charged.
- Ensure the dock lines are in good condition and that cleats are securely attached.
In order to ensure your dock remains on the water as a legal structure on the lake, there are other things to consider this time of year.
1)
Is your dock properly permitted?
2)
Do you have your dock sticker properly posted on the dock?
3)
Have you had it electrically inspected?
These are all important questions, especially for those who may be planning to sell a dock with lake property. That is because you must have a properly permitted dock to help make the property transition process a smooth one, and with thousands of private docks around the lake shores and thousands of property owners, this transition process takes place a lot.
However, whether or not you plan to buy or sell a dock, GRDA reminds you that a proper electrical inspection is still important. After a long winter of wave and wind action on the dock, it’s a good idea to have a licensed electrician check it out, to make sure that all electrical connections and components are still in place and in good working order. Just as you inspect your boat and get it ready for the boating season, you should do the same thing with your dock’s electric system. Please take that precaution if you plan on spending time on your dock this summer.
If you have questions about dock permitting you can always contact the GRDA Lake Permitting office at (918) 256 0852 or you can stop by the GRDA Ecosystems and Education Center in Langley.
