| Millions of boaters and their passengers will go out on | | | | Safety Equipment |
| the water this summer, whether on lakes, rivers or | | | | Don't forget the most important safety equipment |
| the ocean. Before you go out, make sure to brush | | | | for boating, a life vest for every single member of |
| up on safety with these basic boating safety tips. | | | | your party and a working fire extinguisher. Thousands |
| Preparation | | | | of people drown each year. Few people who drown |
| Don't forget to check the weather and take along | | | | have a life vest on. Make sure every member of |
| appropriate clothing and supplies for whatever | | | | your party wears their life vest when in your boat. |
| weather you may encounter. Don't forget to get a | | | | Don't forget special life vests for any children and |
| copy of the local boating rules, each state and | | | | pets who may be joining you. There are specially |
| sometimes each county will have specific boating | | | | sized life vests for every size and shape of person |
| rules and regulations that you must follow. Don't | | | | and most animals. |
| forget to get whatever permits needed should you | | | | Be Observant and Courteous |
| be fishing, diving or engaging in some other | | | | When out on the water, be observant. Watch out |
| recreational activity. Make sure you have maps and | | | | for other boats, jet skis, swimmers, surfers, rowers |
| charts on hand for the area you will be boating in, | | | | and anyone else in or around the water. Be |
| and plan out your course ahead of time. Make sure | | | | considerate and don't take too long at the boat |
| your engine and other mechanical and electrical | | | | ramp. |
| equipment is in working order before taking your | | | | Tread Lightly |
| boat out. Make sure you have proper amounts of oil | | | | Avoid boating in environmentally sensitive areas and |
| and fuel for your entire trip. Pack extra if needed. | | | | be considerate of wildlife you encounter. Avoid spilling |
| Make sure to brush up on all maritime warning signals | | | | fuel, trash or other debris in the water. Go very slow |
| and symbols. Double check to make sure you have | | | | in areas of shallow water. Only use designated boat |
| your boat registration and boat owner's manual as | | | | ramps to load and unload your boat. Try to avoid |
| well as any appropriate licenses on board. Make sure | | | | causing large wakes in the water to lessen soil and |
| you have enough water, food and protection from | | | | shore erosion. |
| the sun on your boat for yourself and every | | | | Using these basic boating safety tips, you should be |
| passenger. Don't drink and boat, it's virtually the same | | | | able to enjoy your time on the water safely and with |
| as drinking and driving and just as dangerous. You | | | | less worry. |
| should always observe speed limits in every area. | | | | |