There's nothing quite like spending a lazy summer afternoon chilling with friends and family on the water. The cool spray on your skin, the wind in your hair, and the calming sound of water – it's all about taking a break from the demands of life, recharging, and creating beautiful memories with your loved ones. To ensure your summer boating is incident-free and full of family fun, our real estate agents have put together a list of important boating safety tips you should know.

• Get Educated
  Before launching your boat, you want to make sure you're confident at the helm. If you haven't done so, take a boating course taught by certified boating safety instructors. Make sure you're familiar with the operation instruction of your vessel and understand the boating laws in your state. Know the "rules of the road" and make sure you're competent to operate a VHF radio.
  
  
• Sign Up for a Vessel Safety Check
  Ensure your vessel is in tip-top shape for the water ahead by signing up for a vessel safety check. You should also perform a pre-boarding board safety check. Refuel your boat and ensure you have a full tank of gas, a fully charged battery, correct transmission fluid levels and engine oil, and electronic gear in good condition. Open all the hatches and run the blower to sniff for fumes. If detected, don't start the engine.
  
  
• File a Float Plan
  Before you depart, file a float plan with a family member, friend, and/or your marina. Include the names and contact information of all aboard, your destination, the route you'll be using and planned stops along the route, how long you plan to be gone, and how you can be contacted.
  
  
• Don't Drink and Boat
  Boating while intoxicated is responsible for about one-third of boating fatalities and can result in serious legal consequences. For the safety of your family and friends, avoid alcohol altogether if you're piloting a boat or designate a "Sober Skipper." No ifs, ands, or buts.
  
  
• Bring Life Jackets
  In addition to keeping a person afloat, a life jacket is also designed to prevent hypothermia and turn an unconscious individual face up. By law, all children under the age of 16 should wear life jackets, and all boats must have a life jacket for each person on board. You may want to consider putting on your life jacket at all times. If a sudden accident were to occur, you might not have enough time to reach for a nearby jacket and slip it on. 
  
  
• Pack a Boat Safety Kit
  No matter how cautious you are, accidents can happen. Be prepared for any situation with a boat safety kit with essential items like duct tape, fire extinguisher, flashlight, extra batteries, bucket, operable boat lights, whistle, ropes, garbage bags, flares, maps, and a first aid kit.
  
  
• Keep Your Eye on the Forecast
  Be smart and plan your boat cruise according to weather conditions and forecasts. Check the weather in advance, bring a radio, and continue to monitor the conditions once you're on the water. 
  
  
• Don't Overload the Boat
  Every boat has a designated capacity rating. Get to know this requirement and follow the recommended capacity level to prevent overloading or capsizing the boat.

Keeping these tips in mind will make for a serene sail. If you're interested in buying or selling a home, contact us today to discuss your goals with one of our experienced agents.