http://www.outdoorsafetyusa.com/travel/travel-safety/boat-safety/boating-safety/ Boating safety - whether you are on a small fishing boat or a huge yacht, boating safety should always be on your mind. en-us Wed, 16 Nov 2005 15:39:12 EST Wed, 16 Nov 2005 15:39:12 EST Weblog Editor 2.0 Every year thousands of people drown as a result of poor boating safety measures. Too many of us seem to think that much of boating safety does not apply to us, or that we are seasoned pros who no longer have to pay much attention to boating safety. The vast majority of us really don't know that much about boating safety and can end up paying the consequences of that ignorance. get out of the dark and into the light of boating safety! Boating safety 101 Before you go be sure to check the weather and bring along a portable radio to keep you informed of any of the changes in the weather. Make sure there is a life jacket to properly fit all people who are on board. Let someone who is not on the boat with you know that you will be out on the boat, where you will be going, how long you intend to be out there, and who is with you on the boat. Resist the temptation to take along a few beers. 50% of all drownings that occur result from mixing alcohol with the driving of a boat. Learn how to swim and enroll your children in swim classes early. You can find swimming lessons available almost anywhere and knowing how to swim is essential when on a boat. Consider taking a boating class, depending on your level of skill, or take a refresher. Even if you have been boating for many years, there are still a lot of things that change and that you may have forgotten. These are definitely a good start, but there are plenty of resources out there for you to take advantage of to increase your knowledge and know-how. Don't simply assume that all will be well - learn how to deal with things when they do not go well, too. cc Wed, 16 Nov 2005 15:39:12 EST