Another sign that summer is here are the invitations we’re receiving to go to the lake with different friends and family members. We are near several different lakes and it seems like everyone (but us) has a boat and camper and spends a lot of time at the lake. Every year we go and spend some lazy days riding in the boat, playing on the jet skis, and swimming at the lake. Our most recent invitation was from a single friend of mine who was bragging about her new margarita machine that runs off of a cigarette lighter thing so we could take our margaritas on the boat. WOW!! That stopped me all of a sudden, margaritas on the boat? With me and my children on it? I was stunned speechless – truly. I had to stop because my first instinct was to start in with that “mother lecture.” I did decline the invitation – responding that I didn’t think that sounded like an appropriate family outing. But after that I got to thinking about just how stupid this was. Thanks to the World Wide Web, I’ve gathered some interesting facts. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department report that 50% of boating accidents are alcohol related, and the department in charge of Arizona Boating had similiar reports that 50% of boating fatalities are caused by boating operating under the influence. Accidents happen. That’s for sure, but why tempt fate? Why bring those statistics on yourself? Interested in educating yourself or your family/friends? Check out the Boating Safety Tips below and the Boating Education Videos that I found.
Tips
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Wear a protective vest.
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Do not mix alcohol and boating. If you think alcohol is necessary, then choose a designated driver just as you would your automobile.
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If you choose to not listen to tip #1, be sure that you at least but lifejackets on those under 13 (In the state of Texas, that’s the law).
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Operate your boats at safe speeds.
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If you are buying a boat for the first time, be sure to take some boater safety courses before actually putting that boat in the water and having fun. There’s no excuse for not doing this now because you can now take boating education online.
Useful Videos
Videos Courtesy of: