Whether you already have a boat or you are ready to buy your first boat (https://www.discoverboating.com/buying/affordable-boating), here are some things you need to know.

Each year hundreds of lives are lost... thousands are injured... and millions of dollars of property damage occurs because of preventable recreational boating accidents on U.S. waterways. Too often pleasure outings turn tragic. You as a boat operator, passenger, or concerned individual can make a difference. (US Coast Guard)

First & foremost, Wear your Life Jacket
The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of over 80 percent of boating fatality victims. Accidents can, and do happen with terrifying speed on the water. There's rarely time to reach stowed life jackets.

As the boat operator you are responsible for the safety of your passengers. The U.S. Coast Guard challenges you and your passengers to wear your life jacket all the time while underway.

Here are other safety gear items you should keep on board:

Flashlight – A flashlight and extra batteries can help you see around your boat in the dark and allow you to be seen if you run out of fuel or if your craft stalls.

Duct tape – Spring a leak? Temporarily bandage the hole with duct tape.

Bucket – Even if the boat isn’t leaking, water may otherwise enter the vessel. A bucket can help you bail it out.

First aid kit – A properly equipped first aid kit, plus the knowledge on how to use it, is vital in case of an accident or medical emergency.

Whistle – As a recognized signal calling for help on the water, a waterproof whistle is another must-have.

Ropes – These are critical for pulling someone in who has fallen overboard, securing your craft to the dock and tying down loose items in extreme weather.

Mirror – A mirror or any reflective object can signal for help.

Garbage bags – Use them as rain ponchos and protection for items on board.

Fire extinguisher – Just because you’re on the water doesn’t mean you can’t have an onboard fire. All passengers should know the location of your fire extinguisher and how to use it.

Take a Boating Course
New boaters and experienced experts alike need to be familiar with the boating rules of the road. Boating safety courses are offered locally, inexpensive and often completed in a day, in-person or online.

Get a Free Vessel Safety Check
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. Free of charge, they also offer virtual vessel exams and there are no consequences if your boat doesn’t pass.

Be Weather-Wise
Always check local, route and destination weather and water conditions before departure and ensure it is safe to go out.

Use Common Sense
Operate at a safe speed at all times (especially in crowded areas), stay alert and steer clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn.

Know the Nautical Rules of the Road
Maintain a proper lookout and be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, all of which have been placed there to ensure your safety and the safety of the boats around you. To learn more, check out the USCG's Navigation Rules information page.

Designate an Assistant Skipper
Make sure more than one person onboard is familiar with all aspects of the boat’s handling, operations, and general boating safety, in case the primary operator is incapacitated and someone else needs to get the boat back to shore.

Avoid Alcohol
Operating a boat while intoxicated is illegal. Nearly half of all boating accidents involve alcohol—designate a sober skipper before leaving the dock.

Skip Swimming in a Marina
Never swim in a marina or in other areas where boats are connected to shore power. Stray power in the water can create an electric shock hazard.

Stay Clear of the Engine
Drivers should wear the boat’s engine cut-off switch lanyard at all times. Keep watch around the propeller area when people are in the water. Never allow passengers to board or exit your boat from the water when engines are on—or idling. Take extra precautions near boats towing skiers or tubers.

Don’t overload the boat with people or equipment
Always follow your boat’s capacity restriction. Overloading with passengers or equipment can unbalance your craft.

Follow proper anchoring procedures
Having the right anchor isn’t enough. To keep the wind from dragging your boat, you may need to drop two anchors in a V-formation at the front of the craft to keep it from drifting. To help prevent the tide from lifting your anchor, you may need to drop it in deeper water – about 20-30 feet or so.

Follow proper docking procedures
Depending on the wind, the current and your type of boat, docking can be a challenge. As you approach the dock or shore, make sure your bumpers are out to prevent damage to your craft, reduce your speed and make sure the docking lines are secured. If the wind is blowing towards the shore, bring the boat about two feet from the dock and the wind will gently pull it in. You can then secure it with lines. If the wind is blowing away from the shore, approach the dock at a 20- to 30-degree angle to compensate for the wind. Then secure the bow line.

So, just like driving, although you might be a great driver or captain in this case, you need to always be aware of the boaters around you. They might not have the proper training and be a hazard on the waterways. Distracted boaters are just as dangerous as distracted drivers so pay attention to what is going on around you.

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