ICNJ offers the following tips to help boaters avoid accidents and injuries this summer:

1. Always check the weather forecast. A safe boater never goes afloat knowing a storm is approaching. When you see signals that a storm is on its way, such as a change in the direction of the wind or a sudden drop in barometric pressure, head for shore immediately. It is also wise to carry an inexpensive weather radio on board to listen for small craft advisories.
   
   
2. Tell someone your float plan. Let them know your intended course and approximate time schedule. Include a description of the craft (color, length, type, number and name) and the names of the persons who will be on board.
   
   
3. Never drink while operating a boat. Not only is it illegal, but the effect of alcohol on balance, coordination, reaction time and vision impairs a boaters steering ability and can lead to serious accidents.
   
   
4. Never stand up in a boat. When movement is necessary, one person at a time should move along the center line of the boat and stay as low as possible. Also, people should never ride on the upper edge of a boat's side, known as the gun wales. Aside from being illegal in New Jersey, riding on the gun wales is dangerous because a quick stop or turn could easily toss someone overboard.
   
   
5. Learn what color-coded buoys and markers mean. Boat operators should always pay attention to these navigational aids and steer accordingly.
   
   
6. Provide each person with a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). Federal law requires that there be one wearable PFD for each person on board.
   
   
7. Take care when fueling. Shut off all motors, engines or fans onboard before refueling. No one should ever smoke on or near the boat while gasoline is being handled. Also, never fill a tank to the brim - - leave room in the tank for the gasoline to expand.
   
   
8. Have a fire extinguisher on board. Fire extinguishers should be mounted in an easy to reach place and checked often to be sure they are full and operational.
   
   
9. Watch your wake. When passing smaller boats, slow down and keep you wake low. New Jersey law states that boaters are responsible for any damages caused by wakes from their boats.
   
   
10. Anchor from bow not stern. The length of the anchor line should be at least five times longer than water depth.
    
    
11. Keep visual distress signals in your boat. All boaters are required by law to have an audible distress signal such as a horn, whistle or bell. For boating on larger bodies of water, federal law requires the operator to have visual distress signals such as red flares, an orange flag, orange smoke signal or a lantern or flashlight on board. All signals should have Coast Guard approval or certification.
    
    
12. Take a boat safety course. The following organizations offer safe boating courses:
    
    
    • U.S. Power Squadrons (1-800-828-3380)
    • U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (1-800-368-5647)
    • The American Red Cross
    
    
13. Know and understand the acceptable capacity of your craft. The combined weight of people and gear should be kept within these limits. As you load, look to see how much distance is between the top edge of the boat and the water.
    
    
14. Make sure at least one other person on board has rudimentary knowledge of how to safely operate the craft in case of emergencies.
    
    
15. Never boat alone!

See Also:
12 Months of Safety
Back to School Safety
Barbecue Safety
Helmet Safety
Lawnmower Safety
Personal Watercrafts
Lightning Safety