To prevent boating accidents, we offer these safety suggestions:

• Care and protection of vessel
• Check weather forecasts before heading out.
• Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
• Check engine, fuel, electrical and steering systems, especially for exhaust-system leaks.
• Carry one or more fire extinguishers, matched to the size and type of boat. Keep them readily accessible and in condition for immediate use.
• Equip the vessel with required navigation lights and with a whistle, horn or bell.
• Consider additional safety devices, such as a paddle or oars, a first-aid kit, a supply of fresh water, a tool kit and spare parts, a flashlight, flares and a radio.

• Make sure that every person on board the boat wears a life-jacket.
• Know and obey marine traffic laws, the "Rules-of-the-Road." Learn various distress signals.
• Keep an alert lookout for other watercraft, swimmers, floating debris and shallow waters.
• Pay attention to loading. Don’t overload; distribute the load evenly; don’t stand up or shift weight suddenly in a small boat; and don’t permit riding on the bow, seatbacks or gunwales.
• Don't operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.