The biggest boating safety tip for Palm Beach County boaters is always wearing a lifejacket! Most people who drown in a boating accident could swim! Never rely on your ability to swim to keep you safe in a boating-related emergency! It is advised that you wear a United States Coast Guard-approved flotation device. In an emergency such as rough water, the onset of severe weather, or boating trouble like taking on water can occur and leave little time to put on life jackets. Life jackets are difficult to put on once you are in the water!

Keys to safe boating according to the National Safe Boating Council are:

• Boating Knowledge
• Boating with Wisdom
• Boating with Preparedness
• Boating with Experience
• Boating with Discretion 

All vessels must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets called Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's). The quantity and type depend on the length of the vessel and the number of people on board and/or being towed. Each PFD must be in good condition, be the proper size for the intended wearer and be readily accessible.

For more information on Boating Safety Courses, please visit http://www.myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/courses.