This is Day Six of National Safe Boating Week here in the USA, when the
National Safe Boating Council highlights ways to stay safe on the water. Whether you're venturing out on the high seas or sticking close to shore, a few simple steps can help you get home in one safe piece.
Everything shipshape? Before you leave the dock, check over your boat to make sure everything is working properly. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary has
a safety checklist you can print out and keep handy.
Wear it! As everyone should know, a boat is required by law to carry a personal flotation device for each passenger; PFD laws vary
from state to state, many requiring a life jacket to be worn by children age 12 and under (age 6 and under in Florida). The Safe Boating Council recommends that
all boaters, regardless of age, wear a life vest while boating. A properly fitting life jacket can make the difference between life and death. There are PFDs for all ages and sizes, even
infants and
pets.
Make a
