| Boating is one of the most fun and exciting things | | | | who knows what to do. Make sure more than one |
| you can do with a family or group. Spending a day | | | | person on board is familiar with all aspects of your |
| together on the waters can be a wonderful way to | | | | boat's handling, operations, and other boating safety |
| bond with your family or catch up with friends. | | | | tips. This person should be able to get everyone |
| However, no matter how much experience you may | | | | back to shore safely if the primary navigator is |
| have, sometimes things can go wrong. So you should | | | | injured or incapacitated in any way. |
| be prepared for unexpected situations. Take | | | | Make Use of Life Jackets. A sad but true statistic- |
| precautions so that your enjoyable trip doesn't turn | | | | The majority of drowning victims due to boating |
| into a disaster. Below are six things you should do | | | | accidents, were found not to be wearing a life |
| before taking off on that cruise. | | | | jacket? Make sure that your family and friends are |
| Develop a Float Plan. Be sure to always let someone | | | | not part of this statistic. Assign and fit each |
| else know your float plan in terms of where you're | | | | passenger on board with a life jacket prior to |
| going and how long you expect to be gone. You may | | | | departure. |
| choose to inform the staff at your local marina or a | | | | Get a Free Vessel Safety Check. The US Coast |
| family member. A float plan should include the | | | | Guard. offers complimentary boat examinations to |
| following information: | | | | verify the presence and condition of certain safety |
| Name, address, and phone number of all passengers | | | | equipment required by state and federal regulations. |
| Boat type and registration information | | | | Free of charge, they will provide a specialist to check |
| Trip itinerary | | | | out your boat and make helpful boating safety tips |
| Types of communication and signal equipment | | | | and recommendations. They may also offer virtual |
| onboard | | | | online safety checks as well. |
| Stay updated on the weather. You should always | | | | Say no to alcohol. Practice boating safety at all times |
| check local weather conditions for boating safety | | | | by saving the alcohol for another time. When there is |
| before departure. Use common sense. If you notice | | | | alcohol involved, the probability of being involved in a |
| darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds, | | | | boating accident doubles. Studies have shown that |
| or a sudden drop in temperature, play it safe by | | | | the affect of alcohol is exacerbated by external |
| getting off the water. | | | | effects such as the sun and wind. |
| Have an Assistant Skipper. Don't be the only one | | | | |