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Learn to swim
- The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the
water is to learn to swim. This includes anyone participating
in any boating activity. The American Red Cross has swimming
courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll
in a swim course, contact your local Red Cross chapter
Alcohol and boating don't mix - Alcohol impairs your
judgment, balance, and coordination -- over 50 percent of
drownings result from boating incidents involving alcohol. For
the same reasons it is dangerous to operate an automobile
while under the influence of alcohol, people should not
operate a boat while drinking alcohol
Look for the label - Use Coast Guard-approved life
jackets for yourself and your passengers when boating and
fishing
Develop a float plan - Anytime you go out in a boat,
give a responsible person details about where you will be and
how long you will be gone. This is important because if the
boat is delayed because of an emergency, becomes lost, or
encounters other problems, you want help to be able to reach
you
Find a boating course in your area - (Red Cross, U.S.
Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Sailing,
etc) -- these courses teach about navigation rules, emergency
procedures and the effects of wind, water conditions, and
weather
Watch the weather - Know local weather conditions and
prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Stop
boating as soon as you see or hear a storm
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