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.