All boats must:

Have a lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) on board the watercraft for each person.

Have bailing equipment.

Have a sounding device.

Have lights for night navigation.

Get Certified – If you are operating a power-driven boat, you require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

Boat Sober – Whether it’s prescription drugs, alcohol or cannabis, the use of intoxicants is both irresponsible and illegal. Being convicted of impaired operation of a boat will also affect your automobile license.

Be Prepared – Make sure you and your boat are up to your planned on-water activities. That means you are knowledgeable about your upcoming trip, your boat is properly equipped with the required safety equipment, the weather is suitable for the voyage, you have sufficient fuel and you have filed a trip plan.

Plus, this is not all about you…it is important to keep in mind that by staying out of trouble you will not be putting pressure on rescue resources.

Be Cold Water Safe – Cold water can severely impact your ability to swim or even just stay afloat. Even the best swimmers will feel the effects of a sudden cold-water immersion. No matter your swimming ability, best chance of surviving an accidental cold-water immersion is to wear your lifejacket!

#safeboating #watersafety