Wear a
life vest at all times.
Leave
a float plan with a friend. The plan should include your beginning and
destination, the total number of people on the trip and the trip's timeframe.
Check
the forecast before making a trip and be prepared for changing weather.
Bring
extra gear: a flashlight, map, sunscreen, first-aid kit, extra sunglasses,
batteries and matches. Store these in a watertight floating container.
If boating
in the winter or cooler weather, take precautions to avoid hypothermia.