Before you and your crew head out for a day of fun on the water, your friends at Emerald Coast Marine Center want to encourage you to talk boating safety.

Before departure, gather your crew for a quick talk about how to stay safe aboard your boat. This is especially important if you are taking out folks new to boating who may not understand the nuances and rules of boating safety.

Some important things to include may be how to distribute weight in a small boat; how to hold on when crossing a wake; how a tuber or water skier should safely re-board after being towed; how the VHF radio works; and the location of important safety equipment! Make sure everyone knows not to get up and move about the boat when it is underway. Another great suggestion is to make sure everyone has a life jacket to wear, or to keep in his or her immediate vicinity. Make sure youngsters have a right-sized life jacket to wear.

A little chat and primer will go a long way to promoting boating safety and fun!

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