| The summer weather brings opportunities for a | | | | A third tip to take into consideration is to heed |
| lot of fun on the water with the popular boating | | | | weather warnings. Before going boating, be sure |
| activity. However, with those opportunities come | | | | to check the weather of the lake or ocean that |
| many chances for people to get hurt on or | | | | you are venturing into. This can be easily done by |
| around the water if precautions are not taken. It | | | | watching the local weather report on the news or |
| is very easy to get the gang together, some | | | | by checking the internet for a quick weather |
| food, drinks, and to have a great time by any | | | | report on various weather web sites. |
| body of water. Whether it is a beach outing or | | | | A fourth important tip is to ensure that there are |
| some time by the river, water is always a | | | | people on your boating trip that are |
| dangerous force versus someone who is | | | | knowledgeable in CPR and other safety skills. Even |
| unprepared to handle an unforeseen accident. | | | | with safety equipment on, you never know when |
| Knowing a few safety tips ahead of time can | | | | an accident might occur. Knowing CPR could save |
| save lives down the road if you come across | | | | a life or at least help keep them alive until |
| such a difficult situation. | | | | professional help arrives. |
| One important tip when boating is to always wear | | | | The last tip to keep in consideration is to control |
| some type of floatation device. It might not be | | | | the amount of alcohol that is consumed while |
| fashionable, but it is a lot better than death. Due | | | | boating. If you are the driver, be mature and |
| to the latest technology, there are many types | | | | considerate and spend the time with your friends |
| of safety devices that can be worn that will not | | | | without drinking. As the boat driver and owner, it |
| affect the performance of the person if they are | | | | is your responsibility to bring everyone out to the |
| engaging in a water sport or if they are just | | | | water to have fun, but also back to shore, safe |
| hanging out. | | | | and sound. Ensure that your passengers are |
| Another important tip is to know as much as you | | | | having a good time, but are not drinking too much |
| can about the boat you are on. If you are the | | | | to be distracting you or being a distraction to |
| driver of the boat, it is extremely important that | | | | other passengers. Alcohol is the cause of many |
| you know how to operate your vehicle properly | | | | boating deaths each year. Precaution can help |
| and know how to deal with boating issues that | | | | keep everyone safe. |
| might come up without hesitation. | | | | |