Airplane pilots file a
flight plan. Boaters need a "float plan." Let someone
responsible know where you are going and when you will return.
(This
alone might keep you from being stranded on the lake overnight!)
"If you drink, don’t
drive" applies doubly on the lake. Most lake accidents are
alcohol-related. Don’t become an accident statistic!
Before you leave the
dock, know the stability, load capability and handling of the boat you
are operating. Remember, every boat is different.
All boats must be
equipped with certain safety equipment, but this equipment is useless if
you don’t know how to use it.
Learn how to properly use
all safety equipment.
Check the water
conditions. Know where hazards like sandbars and stump beds are located.
Before you leave home,
check the weather conditions. Don’t get caught on the lake in a storm
you could have avoided.
Double check to see if
all your safety equipment is on the boat (these
are required by law!).
