SAFETY FIRST: 5 Tips for Summer Boating Safety

It’s time. Boating season is either here or mere days away. You may be more than ready to get that boat back in the water and ditch whatever winter blues you may have picked up, but before you get out on the water, how about a quick safety refresh? These Spring safety tips are good for any boater to remember.

VHF Readiness: Fire up your VHF radio and make sure your MMSI number is correctly programmed.

Life jackets = non-negotiable. Make sure you’ve got one for everyone, including children. Read below for more life jacket tips.

Sound the alarm(s): Test your smoke, carbon monoxide, bilge, and fume alarms. No beep? No good. It might be time to change batteries.

Check Your Flares: Flares expire after 42 months. Fire extinguishers? "If it’s older than 12 years and disposable, or the indicator is in the red, it’s time for a swap." Refill your first-aid kit. You may be out of much needed supplies that were used last season or have since expired.