Although "Safety" is an attitude rather than a set of rules,
most boating fatalities, serious injuries or major losses can be prevented
by following these Practices, Guidelines & Tips!

1. Never Drink & Boat  -  Drinking alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, reduces physical agility & diminish coordination which do not go well with unpredictable & hostile environment that often exists on Chesapeake Bay & other large bodies of water.

2. Wear a Lifejacket  -  It could make the difference between life & death.  Lifejackets could have saved 85% of victims who drowned in boating accident.  States require children to wear a lifejacket when underway & not inside a closed cabin.  For children less than 4 years old, Maryland requires additional safety features.

3. Properly Equip Lifejackets  -  Under conditions of darkness, poor visibility, rough seas or stormy weather, a whistle, signal mirror, flashlight, strobe light, flares, knife or dye marker attached to a Lifejacket could make the difference between life & death.  Although relatively expensive, an EPIRB or portable waterproof VHF radio attached to vessel operators Lifejacket is a best practice.

4. Invest in a VHF Radio  -  Keep it near helm & set to Channel 16 so important information being broadcasted can be monitored & it is ready to use in an emergency.   Make sure everyone knows how to operate radio, since knowing when & how to use the radio can make the difference between a minor & major loss (injuries) or even life & death in an emergency.

5. Be Weather Wise  -  Check weather before heading out & then remain alert to changes in sky, wind & water conditions throughout day.  Use your VHF Radio to regularly check latest weather forecasts (especially after 12:00 PM during summer months).  Immediately head to shore at first signs of deteriorating weather conditions.

6. Properly Equip & Maintain Vessel  -  to reduce probability of problems occurring & be prepared to deal with them when they do occur.  Examine your own vessel or get a Free Vessel Safety Check at beginning of each boating season to ensure critical equipment & systems are in good working order & then use a checklist (see item 8.) before each outing to verify their ongoing operational status.  

7. File a Float Plan  -  Let family or friends know where you’re going, how you plan to get there, how many people will be onboard, when you expect to return, how to contact you & what your vessel looks like (type, size, color, description, name & hailing port).

8. Use a Safety Checklist  -  As operator of a watercraft, you are responsible for vessel as well as everyone onboard, so be prepared to deal with the unexpected by properly equipping your vessel, using a pre-underway checklist, following these safety practices & reviewing safety procedures with family members, friends & guests before each outing.  

9. Take a Boating Course  -  Be sure to check state & local requirements.  USCG recommends everyone take a basic boating safety course & boat owners/operators attend a refresher or more advanced course at least once every three years.  A wide range of courses are available to help maintain & improve your boating knowledge / skills, so why not team-up with family, friends, neighbors or colleagues to take a courses.

Additional Boating Safety Resources:

1. Boating Safety & Survival Tips for Hunters

2. PWC Boating Safety & Tips

3. Recalls & Safety Defects

4. For the Young & Young at Heart

5. Paddlecraft & Small Boats