Texas Boating Magazine July. 2013 | Page 6

T.B.M.

6

Boat Saftey 101

Going out on the lake can be a fun and exciting experience, but unless the right precautions are taken to keep safe it can turn dangerous very quickly. Fortunately there are a few key tips that you can keep in mind before evening launching off that can keep you safe and your day on the lake one to remember.

To help start your trip off smoothly, keep these quick tips in mind before launching off:

1) Make sure to have adequate amounts of life-vests

- Remember that all children under the age of 13 are required to wear life vests at all time when on the boat. But you are also required to have a vest for each person on the boat, even if they are not wearing it.

2) Just keep swimming

- This doesn't only apply to kids, if you are not an efficient swimmer or are unable to swim at all be sure to always be wearing a life-jacket. It may not be the most comfortable but it can surely save your life.

3) Know How to drive

- Of course this seems blatanly obvious, but I have seen many people get into boats that they don't know how to drive. Whether it's because the boat is bigger than they are used to, or they just simply don't know how to drive a boat. To keep safe, be sure you feel comfortable driving

4) Wear Sunscreen!

- I myself have fallen prey to this. You plan a fun trip with family or friends, launch the boat, only to realize you're not wearing sunscreen! And of course no one on the boat has any. From personal experience, this is the worst mistake ever as the sunburn you WILL receive can be extremely painful.

These trips will help you get off to a great start, but remember that there is never an end to being safe on the lake.