Wear a Life Jacket, more than two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned - and of those, 90 percent were not wearing a life jacket.
Choose a Designated Boat Driver. Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.
Check Your Fuel Level. Don't trust your fuel gauge - stay on top of the fuel level by knowing your boat's fuel consumption per hour and keeping track of the time you have been under way.
Vent Your Bilge. Always remember to shut off the engine(s) while fueling and run the blowers for the required amount of time to vent all fumes from the bilge before restarting.
Inspect Your Bilge. Make sure to visually inspect the bilge for excess water and ensure the bilge pump is in proper working order before leaving the dock. If you are putting in at a boat ramp, spare yourself an unexpected bath by replacing the drain plug(s) before launching.
Check the Weather. Strong winds from thunderstorms can cause damage to your vessel and may harm members of your party. Lightening can strike many miles from a thundercloud.
Carry an Anchor. It's surprising how many boats leave the dock without an anchor and an adequate amount of rope.. Do not overlook this vital safety tool, which can save your life in the event of engine failure by securing your boat until help can reach you.
Be courtesy and tolerant to others, the water can be a fun place for the family and friends. Do not let it become a place of a misfortune event.