C ruising, fishing, ’boarding, skiing and even gunkholing are fantastic pastimes made possible by a common thread: your boat. Each year, however, we’re reminded through a series of boating accident statistics that boating has a sobering side. Thousands are injured and dozens of fatalities are reported each year. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to keep your crew healthy and happy while your on the water. Following are Boating World’s 15 Best Boating Safety Tips, and adhering to these will help keep the fun factor in boating.

1. Wear A Life Jacket.
Most boaters aren’t going to automatically don a life jacket every time they get in a boat. But life jackets have changed remarkably in style, appearance and comfort over the years. Some are slim, non-restrictive, self-inflating units. Wearing a life jacket is your best bet against a fatal accident while boating. According to the most recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics, two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and 90 percent of those victims weren’t wearing a life jacket.

2. Avoid Boating Under The Influence (BUI).
It isn’t illegal to drink alcoholic beverages and boat; however, overindulgence is (each state has its own laws governing this), and for good reason. Studies have shown that natural stressors like exposure to sun, glare, wind, noise, vibration and motion on the water produce a sort of “boater’s hypnosis” or level of fatigue, and that’s without any alcohol at all. Add alcohol to the mix, and the effect is intensified. Alcohol consumption is said to contribute to nearly 20 percent of all reported fatalities. Use it in moderation, and allow time between drinking and operating your boat. Better yet, have a designated driver.

3. Stay Away From The Propeller.
The average three-blade propeller spinning at 3200 RPM can inflict 160 impacts in one second and travel from head to toe in less than one tenth of a second. Never use the drive unit to board a boat! If your boat doesn’t have a ladder, get one. The driver should know to shut the motor off when people are swimming and when skiers are getting back in the boat. Numerous aftermarket propeller safety devices are available to reduce the risk of propeller injury.

4. Know The Rules Of The Road.
Collisions play a big part in boating accidents. Aside from automobile accidents, recreational boating accidents account for the next highest number of transportation fatalities annually — outdoing other popular forms of transportation like aviation, bus and rail. Knowing and abiding by the Rules of the Road, or in this case, water, can greatly reduce the risk.

5. Don’t Be A Foolish Fueler.
It happens. Someone is fueling their boat, there’s a spark, and boom! Don’t operate anything electronic, including cell phones or a handheld VHF radio, anywhere near fuel. Keep the fuel nozzle in contact with the tank line to avoid static charge. If you have a boat with inboard engines, run the engine compartment blower for at least four minutes before turning the ignition after fueling (or if the engine hasn’t run for a while).

As an extra precaution, stick your head deep into the engine compartment and smell for gas fumes before starting the engine. Gas vapor is heavier than air and will settle in the bilge.

6. Keep Fire Extinguishers Handy And Know How To Operate Them.
If a fire breaks out, every second counts. So keep your fire extinguisher in a secure but readily accessible location. Everyone on board should know where the extinguisher is (as well as other safety gear), and older passengers should know how it works. Waiting for a fire to start before reading the operating instructions is not a good idea.

Wearing a life jacket is one of the biggest steps you can take toward being safe on the water.

7. Protect Yourself Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
Unlike gasoline, carbon monoxide is odorless, but it’s just as deadly. Keep sleeping quarters well-ventilated, and be sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm system. Never use charcoal in enclosed areas for heat or cooking, and don’t engage in “watersports” that put you near the transom when the engine is running. Teak surfing, for instance, has been outlawed due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

8. Drive Defensively.
Inattention is a major contributing accident factor when operating a boat. It’s wise to acknowledge that many drivers of other boats fall prey to distractions, so expect the unexpected. When possible, keep a wide berth between other vessels. Many seasoned boaters keep a handheld air horn near the helm to alert daydreaming boaters who are coming too close for comfort.

9. Watch Your Speed.
Just as speeding in an automobile increases the likelihood of an accident, so it is with boats. Because boats are traveling over an unstable surface, the risk of an accident is increased. Reaction times at high speeds are reduced, and there are no brakes on your boat. Even if you feel confident in your boat’s handling ability at high speed, be extra alert to wakes and floating debris. And avoid sudden turns of the steering wheel that could toss passengers around inside the boat or over the side.

10. Be Weather-Wise.
Many Coast Guard rescues involve boaters in trouble because of bad weather. A prudent boater will always take weather forecasts into consideration. Wind, waves, lightning and heavy fog can create all sorts of problems to a boater caught unaware. Too many boaters wait until inclement weather arrives before seeking shelter. Lightning often occurs on a storm’s edge and can strike miles from the storm center. So plan ahead.

11. Wear The Engine Cutoff Lanyard.
Boats of a given size are required by law to come equipped with an automatic engine cutoff switch and a lanyard that attaches to the driver. If the driver is forced out of the helm seat by an impact or sudden health problem, the lanyard will detach from the helm and stop the engine — if it’s attached firmly to the driver. Get in the habit of attaching it to your life jacket or belt every time you operate the boat.

12. Establish And Enforce No-Seating Zones.
Many falls overboard occur because of passengers sitting or standing in unsafe areas while the boat is underway. Passengers laying on the sunlounge over the engine compartment, for instance, can be tossed into the water if an unexpected wave is encountered. Never allow passengers to sit with their legs over the bow or on the swim platform while underway. Even walking in the cockpit can be hazardous when the boat’s moving.

13. Think, Then Throttle.
It’s the driver’s responsibility to ensure the safety of his passengers. So think. Injuries and falls overboard are commonly caused by the driver accelerating the boat without alerting passengers beforehand. If a passenger happens to be standing when you throttle the boat, it’s likely he won’t be a second later.

14. File A Float Plan.
Unexpected things happen, even when you’re prepared. Mechanical failures, sudden storms and a host of other woes can befall you anytime, leaving you in need of help.

It’s always advisable to let others ashore know when and where you plan on boating. This is especially true if you venture offshore or onto a large body of water. You can print float plans from a number of websites including these: www.usps.org/o_stuff/fp_form.html; www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/boating/float1.htm.

15. Take A Safe Boating Course.
Oftentimes the determining factor between life and death is pure knowledge. Seventy percent of reported fatalities occur on boats where the operator hadn’t received boating safety instruction. Take a Boating Safety Course to better equip you and your crew for a safe and enjoyable time on the water. For more information, contact your State Boating Agency, Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron or Coast Guard District, or call the Boating Safety Infoline at (800) 368-5647.