Free template · updated November 3, 2026

Boat dock instructions for guests (template)

A dock is where a waterfront stay happens: morning coffee, swimming, fishing and tying up a rented boat. It's also where children slip, adults dive into water that's too shallow, and storms catch people out.

This template sets out who uses which part of the dock, swimming and diving rules, children and life jackets, tying up a boat, weather, and why nobody should swim near a dock with power. Fill in your depths, your guest boat rules and where the life ring is.

The template

Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

About the dock

Our dock is [Dock location]. [Shared note, e.g. The left side is ours; the right belongs to the neighbours.]
The ladder for swimming is at [Ladder location].
Water depth at the end is about [Depth], and shallower near shore.
The dock light switch is [Light switch location].

Swimming and children

Please don't dive off the dock. The depth changes and there may be rocks.
Children should be watched closely at all times on and near the dock. Children and weak swimmers wear a life jacket here. Life jackets are in [Life jacket location].
The boards get slippery when wet and at night. Please walk, don't run.

Tying up a boat

Guest boats up to [Maximum length] are welcome at [Mooring spot].
Put the fenders from [Fender location] between your boat and the dock.
Tie the front and back to the cleats, leaving a little slack for waves.
Please don't refuel boats at the dock.

Weather

Stay off the dock during thunderstorms and high wind.
If a storm is coming, [Storm note, e.g. pull kayaks up the bank and double-tie any boat].

Electric safety

[Power note, e.g. There's power on the dock for lights only.] Never swim near a dock or boat that has electrical power running to it. Faulty wiring can electrify the water.

Emergency

Life ring: [Life ring location]
Call [Emergency number]. Our address: [Address for emergency calls]

Tips

Post the real water depth at the end of the dock, and a clear no-diving sign if it isn't deep.
Mount a life ring or throw bag where anyone can grab it.
Have dock wiring checked by a qualified electrician and protected by a ground-fault device.
Check boards, cleats and ladders before the season and after storms.
Say plainly whether guest boats are welcome and where they can tie up.

Put it on one guest page instead of a binder

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Questions

Is it safe to swim off a dock with electricity?

It can be dangerous. Faulty wiring on a dock or a boat can electrify the water, so guests shouldn't swim near docks or boats with power running to them.

Should guests be allowed to dive off the dock?

Only if the water is clearly deep enough and free of rocks, and that can change with water levels. Many hosts ban diving for safety.

Can guests bring their own boat to a rental dock?

That's your call. Say in the listing whether boats are welcome, the size limit, where to tie up and any rules about fuel.

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