• Always wear a properly fitted life jacket.

• When operating a boat never drink alcohol.

• Always operate your boat at a safe speed.

• Be sure you have the proper safety equipment for your vessel and maintain it.

• Know the laws, “rules of the road”, for boat operators.

• At all times, be aware of your surroundings, including weather conditions, waves, currents, storms, fog, etc. Check the weather forecast for your destination. Plan clothing, equipment, and supplies accordingly.

• Take a boating safety course.

• Learn to swim. Know how to rescue yourself and others.

• Avoid making too much noise - noisy motors are illegal and prevent boat operators from hearing voices, signals and warnings of danger, as well as being a disruption to wildlife.

• File a float plan with family or friends.

• Be conscious of environmental issues – fueling, habitat damage, and wildlife harassment.

• Travel responsibly on designated waterways and launch your watercraft in designated areas.

• Always have a designated lookout to keep an eye out for other boaters, objects, and swimmers.

• Comply with all signs and barriers. This includes speed limits, no-wake zones, and underwater obstructions, etc.

• Make every effort to always go boating with a partner.

• Make sure you have enough fuel and oil for the entire trip.

• Make sure your owner’s manual and registration is on board in waterproof containers.

• Always carry a Coast Guard approved working fire extinguisher.

• Know your limitations. Apply sunscreen, drink lots of water, and watch your energy level.

• Know distress signals and warning symbols.

• Always travel slowly in shallow waters and avoid boating in water less than 2½ feet deep.  High speeds near shorelines leads to large wakes which cause shoreline erosion.

• Do your part by leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of fuel, oil and waste, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast organization.

For more information regarging these and other Boating Safety Tips please visit
www.dbw.ca.gov