Play it safe when you play it cool this summer. Know how to protect yourself and your passengers on the water.As the weather warms, people spend more time outdoors. One popular pastime is boating, whether it’s paddling on a small lake or cruising in a speedboat. Here are some guidelines for safe boating this summer:
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Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when around water or when boating.
Also, learn to swim in the event of a water emergency when you don’t have a life jacket handy.
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Know what to do in the event of an emergency.
Learn CPR and first aid skills.
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Keep a close eye on the youngsters!
Always supervise children in, on or around the water.
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Don’t drink alcohol while boating.
Lives can be at stake on the water just as on the highway.
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Keep a good lookout, and be aware of potential water hazards.
Watch out for fallen trees or low-lying tree limbs near shorelines.
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Make sure someone on land knows your schedule.
Develop a float plan, a written plan detailing the boating trip, and leave it with a responsible person ashore.
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Learn safe boating techniques.
Observe the nautical rules-of-the-road.
- Use common sense when you’re in a small boat.
Don’t overload it with unnecessary objects, and don’t stand or move too quickly.
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Check the weather forecast before your trip.
Make sure there is no severe weather along the way to your destination.
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