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Boating Safety Tips


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Before you  leave for an adventure on the water, familiarize yourself with some basic safe boating tips.

  • Consider taking a boater education course.
  • Be familiar with the maritime laws of your state.
  • Before you leave, create a float plan and leave it with a dependable person. 
  • Read the owner's manual for your vessel.
  • Make sure each passenger wears a personal flotation device (PFD).  Children under the age of 13 must wear a PFD.
  • Drink plenty of water; avoid consuming alcohol.
  • Operate at a safe speed.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.  Stay to the right of oncoming vessels.
  • Make sure you have a horn or whistle readily available
  • Have a passenger serve as a lookout.
  • Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit on board your vessel.
For more information on boating safety, please visit the US Coast Guard's Boating Safety Resource Center.