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 Or Guidelines

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

2. Wear an Appropriate and Properly Sized Lifejacket  -  It could make the difference between life and death.  A PFD could have saved the lives of over 85% of the victims who drown in boating accidents.  Federal and most State Regulations require anyone under 13 years old (8 years old in MD) to wear a lifejacket when underway and not confined inside a closed cabin area.  Maryland Law also requires that children less than 4 years old or under 50 pounds wear a Lifejacket with special safety features.

3. Equip PFD's with Appropriate Safety Devices  -  A whistle, signal mirror, flashlight, strobe light, flares, knife, dye marker, EPIRB, or portable waterproof VHF radio attached to a Lifejacket could make the difference between life and death under conditions of darkness, poor visibility, rough seas, or stormy weather.

4. Carry a VHF Radio  -  Don't leave the Dock without it!  Keep it near the helm and set to Channel 16 so it is ready to use in an emergency and important information being broadcasted can be monitored.   Make sure everyone onboard knows how to operate the radio, since knowing when and how to use the radio can make the difference between a minor and major loss (injuries) or even life and death in an emergency.

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

6. Properly Equip and Maintain Your Vessel  -  This will reduce the probability of a problem occurring and help ensure you are prepared to handle them when they do occur.  Examine your own vessel or get a Free Vessel Safety Check at the beginning of each boating season to ensure everything is in good working order and then use a checklist before each outing to verify the ongoing operational status of all critical equipment and systems.  

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, and what your vessel looks like (type, size, color, description, name, and hailing port).

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

9. Take a Boating Safety Course  -  The Coast Guard recommends all boaters take a basic boating safety course and attend boating safety refresher course at least every five years.  More demanding state and local requirements may exist, so be sure to check.  There are a wide range of courses available to help maintain and improve your boating knowledge and skills.  So why not team-up with family or friends to take basic, specialty, or advanced courses this year.

Additional Boating Safety Resources:

1. Recalls and Safety Defects

2. Boat Smart For Young Boaters and Kids (including those who are young at heart)

3. Paddle Sport And Utility Boats