Here we are on the cusp of summer. With Memorial Day weekend in the U.S. and Victoria Day in Canada unofficially kicking off the season, this is typically a busy time of year for dealers.

 

We hope this is a busy, revenue-generating time for you as well.

 

But we also know this year is different. The government is asking us to practice social distancing. Consumers are excited to get out on the water, but many are hesitant to interact closely with you and your staff. Your staff is happy to be back at work, but some are reluctant to come back if certain precautions aren’t made.

 

So what are you doing to stay safe while people across North America are still being infected with COVID-19?

 

There are a lot of things to think about from customer interactions to washing surfaces and from marina safety to demo rides and sea trials.

 

I recently spent a great deal of time with MTAs throughout North America, discussing what it is that dealers, marina operators and boatyard owners need to know about running their operations during the pandemic.

 

What we developed is a 58-page manual, the Guide to Operating Your Boat Business Safely.

 

Don’t worry, you don’t have to read the full 58 pages of the guide. We know you’re busy. Find the articles that are pertinent to you. We have a section on Your Business, another on Your Customers and a third on Your Employees. Plus, 17 pages of the publication are downloads for you to use. Those downloads range from printable guides for your staff, to posters for your customers, to customizable Excel documents that will help you run your business safely.

 

We combed through what the CDC, Health Canada, W.H.O., OSHA and others have been reporting and assessed how their recommendations affect dealerships, marinas and boatyards, and translated that, so you don’t have to.

 

We hope you find some great resources in this guide! And if you need any additional, resources or information, let us at the MRAA or those at your local MTA know. We’re glad to help!