Summer boating is the highest-risk period on the water. US Coast Guard (USCG) statistics show peak fatalities in July and August caused by high traffic, alcohol use, and inexperienced operators. To ensure your safety and that of your passengers: In this guide, we explore summer…
When a person falls overboard, you must always keep the victim in sight, shout "Man Overboard" to alert the crew, and throw a buoyant flotation device toward them. You need to act quickly. Remaining calm and composed is critical to saving someone efficiently, so it's…
Life jackets, also called personal flotation devices (PFDs), are classified into five types based on water conditions and use. Each type provides buoyancy to help keep a person afloat and improve survival in the water. Every year, there are deaths out on the water that…
Michigan doesn't issue a "boating license" in the same way as a driver's license, but it does require certain operators to get a Boating Safety Certificate. This certification is also sometimes called a boater education card. Whether you need a boater education card depends on…
When anchoring a boat, always approach your anchoring spot against the wind or current, then stop the boat and lower the bow anchor. As your boat drifts back, lower the anchor to the bottom, ideally with a 5:1 to 7:1 rope-to-depth ratio. Secure your line…
