National Safe Boating Week, May 18 - 2024, marks the start of the boating season for many, according to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, in a news release. 

With more people heading out to enjoy a day of boating or fishing, it is more important than ever to be a responsible boater to keep you and everyone on the water safe.

Here are a few reminders, provided by MDIFW:

1. Wear a life jacket. No matter what activity you have planned on the water, always remember to wear a life jacket every time you are on the water. Accidents on the water can happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket.

2. Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for your water activity and fits properly. A life jacket that is too large or too small can cause different situational problems.

3. Familiarize yourself with Maine's boating laws, available at mefishwildlife.com/boat

4. Take a boating safety course. Learn valuable tips that can help save your life in unexpected situations.

5. Make sure your boat is prepared. There are many items that need to be checked and rechecked on any boat. Schedule a Vessel Safety Check with your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons before you hit the water. Every Vessel Safety Check is conducted 100 percent free of charge.

6. Always file a float plan. File a float plan before you leave shore with someone you trust that includes details about the trip, boat, persons, towing or trailer vehicle, communication equipment, and emergency contacts.

7. Check the weather, including the water temperature. Know the latest weather forecast prior to going out, and keep a regular check for changing conditions.

8. Don’t drink while you boat. Where the primary cause was known, alcohol was listed as a leading factor in boating-related deaths.

9. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline-powered engines on boats, including onboard generators, produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas that can poison or kill someone who breathes too much of it. Be sure to install and maintain a working CO detector, never block exhaust outlets, and always dock, beach or anchor at least 20 feet away from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine.

10. Keep in touch. Communication devices can be the most important piece of emergency equipment on board a vessel, especially in case of emergency. Be sure to have and know how to use at least two communication devices that work when wet, such as satellite phones, emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), VHF radios, and personal locator beacons (PLB).

Learn more here.