With the lakes and oceans becoming more congested during the summer boating season with boats, jet skis, yachts, kayaks, canoes and anything that floats, safety needs to be the number one priority this summer.  Few boaters on the water have any type of formal training and no training is required in most states along with no minimum age to operate a vessel.  According to the United States Coast Guard there were 710 deaths, 3,474 injuries and 43,670,424 dollars worth of property damage from boating accidents in 2006 alone.  Boating under the influence (BUI) is another severe problem on the water, accounting for 20% of accidents last year.  Here are some simple tips to keep your family, friends, vessel, and other boating enthusiasts safe this summer.

Summer Boating Safety Tips 101
There must be a wearable life jacket for every person in the vessel
Children under the age of 12 are required by law to wear a life vest
There must be a throwable device on board for all vessels that are larger than 6 feet
It is recommended to check all navigation lights and fuses before heading out on trip that could last past sunset

• Be sure to bring extra fuses, bulbs and a battery powered flashlight at all times while cruising
• Be sure not to overload your boat with either gear or people.  If you think you might be over chances are you are so check your USGC manufacturer’s plate for rules and regulations
• Always make sure you have a designated driver when cruising with people of age.  BUI (boating under the influence) ticket is costly and can be deadly
• Always, Always check the weather report before heading out and know your limit with braving the conditions
• Water-skiers, wake boarders, tubers, and swimmers should be at least 20 feet or more away from the vessel while running
• Tell someone where you are going, whom you are traveling with and how long you will be away
• Never venture into unfamiliar areas without mapping it out beforehand

As the boating industry continues to grow and the popularity increases boats, trailers, boating safety equipment, electronics and other personal items are prime targets for thieves.  Here are simple tips and precautions you can take to make sure you do not end up filing a report with the local authorities.

Boat Security Tips 101

• Do not leave you vessel idling unattended for any reason
• Always take your keys with you when you step away from the vessel, for even five minutes
• Secure expensive items such as Binoculars, VHF radio, fish finders, and GPS’s out of sight
• Keep track of the inventory on your boat from fishing poles to electronic equipment by creating a list and check the list before you get out on the water
• Take photos of your vessel from all viewpoints
• Engrave or permanently mark your vessel, equipment, trailer, and other valuables  with your hull identification number

These simple safety tips for your vessel and its guests will insure that you are taking precautions to insure safety comes first and not to become a victim of boat thievery.