Boating Safety
Each person riding aboard a smaller, open boat should wear a Coast Guard-approved flotation device. A larger boat must carry at least one wearable personal flotation device (PFD) for each person aboard and, in addition, a throwable PFD. A throwable PFD can be either a life preserver (a doughnut-shaped ring buoy) or a buoyant cushion (floating pillow). All life preservers must be ready for use and easily accessible.
A small-boat user may find himself or herself in and out of the water frequently, for example, swimming or diving. In such cases, wearing a PFD is impractical. However, a child is more likely to become exhausted by swimming and must wear a flotation jacket. It should be easy to use and convenient to wear. A boat must also by law carry a fire extinguisher of the approved type. Navigation lights are also required. Closed boats must have adequate ventilation. A noise-making device, such as a horn or whistle, must be carried by motorboats over 16 feet (4.8m). Boat users should always carry plenty of spare, warm clothing for everyone aboard. Keep the clothing in waterproof bags tied firmly into the boat. In an emergency, loose equipment is dangerous. Boat users should wear sneaker-type shoes that are designed to give a good grip on wet surfaces. Never wear rain boots. Good sunglasses should be worn to prevent eye strain on sunny days.
