Tubing Safety 101: Ride Smart, Have Fun!

At Northern Lakes Boat Co, we love a good day on the lake—and nothing says summer fun quite like tubing behind a pontoon boat. It's thrilling, it’s family-friendly, and it’s a great way to create lasting memories. But with fun comes responsibility. That’s why we’re sharing essential tubing safety tips so you can ride smart and have fun.

Whether you’re renting one of our pontoons or bringing your own, here’s what you need to know before hitting the throttle.

1. Always Wear a Life Jacket

This one’s non-negotiable. Every rider should wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jacket. It should be snug, secure, and buckled up before you even step on the tube.

2. Have a Dedicated Spotter

In Michigan (and most states), it’s the law: you must have a designated spotter onboard in addition to the boat operator. The spotter's job is to keep their eyes on the rider at all times and communicate with the driver. Speaking of communication…

3. Use Hand Signals

Establish clear hand signals with the rider before they get on the tube. Some common ones include:👍 = faster✋ = slower👎 = stop☝️ = just right. This keeps everyone safe and makes the ride smoother for the tuber.

4. Know What to Do If the Rider Falls Off

Falls are part of the fun—but safety is key.

• The driver should throttle down immediately and begin a slow, controlled circle back to the tuber.

• The spotter should point at the rider to help the driver maintain visual contact.

• Pull up on the driver’s side, where visibility is better and the boat is easier to control.

• Once you're beside the rider, place the engine in neutral or turn it off completely.

• Have the rider swim to the boat’s boarding ladder and climb aboard from there - ensure the prop is not turning.

5. Choose the Right Equipment

Make sure your tube, rope, and tow point are rated for the number of riders and the boat’s horsepower. We’ll help with that! At Northern Lakes Boat Co, our rental pontoons are tube-ready, and we offer tubes as an optional add-on with every rental. Just let us know you’re planning to tube and we’ll set you up right.

6. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Avoid congested areas, shallows, and places with obstacles like buoys or docks. Always keep an eye out for other boats and obey all no-wake zones and boating regulations. Your rider is vulnerable—your awareness is their best protection.

Plan Your Next Tubing Adventure

Northern Lakes Boat Co offers daily and multi-day pontoon rentals throughout northern Michigan. Whether you’re staying at a waterfront rental or want to explore a new lake for the day, we’ll deliver the boat to you, and make sure it’s equipped for tubing fun.

Want to add a tube? Just ask! We make tubing safe, easy, and unforgettable.

Book your pontoon today at NLBoatCo.com – and make this summer your best one yet!