| Boating is a great sport that can be enjoyed all year | | | | effective for all types of water. Some flotation |
| round in most parts of the country. Taking the boat | | | | devices protect the wearer from hypothermia, while |
| out on the lake, a river or into the ocean is one of | | | | others are meant for sporting activities like skiing, |
| America's favorite pastimes, full of fun and | | | | sailing and fishing. |
| adventure. However, boating is serious business and | | | | Another valuable piece of boating equipment is a fire |
| any boater will tell you that you need adequate | | | | extinguisher. While many don't think such would be |
| boating equipment to make sure that your outings | | | | necessary, with so much water around, engine fires |
| are as safe as possible, for you and your passengers. | | | | require a certain type of extinguisher while cushions |
| Everyone knows that there are a few essentials of | | | | or interior cabin materials might require another. Boats |
| boating equipment, like life preservers and other | | | | more than twenty-six feet long are required to have |
| personal flotation devices. But did you know that | | | | at least one fire extinguisher on board. |
| there's so much more that should be stowed on | | | | There are additional requirements for the installation |
| every boat? Let's start with the basics. | | | | of fire extinguishers on board, so check with state |
| The law requires that any passenger under the age | | | | boating regulations to determine what those are |
| of 12 must wear a personal flotation device while on | | | | before taking your boat out on the water. Another |
| an open boat deck of any kind. When it comes to | | | | boating equipment must for boats with inboard |
| purchasing personal flotation devices of any kind for | | | | mounted gasoline engines is a flame arrester that is |
| your boat, there are several things to consider. | | | | fitted onto the carburetor for backfire flame control. |
| First, everyone on board must have a flotation | | | | Again, check your state boating laws to determine |
| device, child or adult, and those devices must be | | | | whether your boat needs such an adjustment if it |
| within easy reach. These flotation devices must be | | | | doesn't already come with one. Also keep in mind |
| approved by the Coast Guard and bear their seal of | | | | that boats with gasoline engine compartments must |
| approval. Lastly, these flotation devices must be in | | | | also be properly ventilated. |
| good condition. | | | | A sound device is also a necessary piece of boating |
| Other kinds of essential boating equipment consist of | | | | equipment, most especially for boats that are over |
| a throw-able flotation device such as a floating donut | | | | thirty-nine feet in length. Some sort of distress signal |
| or some buoyant item that can be used to keep a | | | | flare gun is also a good piece of boating equipment |
| person afloat for an unlimited amount of time. Every | | | | to have on hand, as is a first aid box and extra |
| boat longer than sixteen feet in length must have | | | | bedding and blankets in case of emergency. Boating |
| one of these on board or face fines. Ski belts don't | | | | is great fun, but can be dangerous if you don't plan |
| count. | | | | properly and carry the right kind of boating |
| Some flotation devices are designed to turn an | | | | equipment that ensures the safety of both yourself |
| unconscious person around in the water so that they | | | | and your crew or passengers. |
| are face up instead of face down, and are also | | | | |