Boating Emergency? Will you know what to do?

Gearing up for a relaxing day on the water? Help keep your friends and family safe. State Farm wants you to be prepared by following these smart and simple boating safety tips.

• Always wear a right-sized, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. The USCG estimates that life jackets could've saved the lives of over 80 percent of boating fatality victims. Wear it, don't stow it. Tucked-away life jackets are useless in an accident.
• Make a float plan. A float plan is a document you leave with someone on shore describing your boat, equipment, itinerary and passengers. In an emergency, a float plan can help guide search and rescue teams. The USCG Auxiliary website offers a downloadable float plan. http://floatplancentral.cgaux....
• Brush up on boating safety basics. Operator error causes more than two-thirds of boating accidents. Ensure you understand all the navigational rules: Go to https://www.boat-ed.com/ to find your state's online boating course.
• Don’t boat under the influence (BUI). According to the USCG, alcohol plays a role in about a third of all boating fatalities, and a boat operator with a BAC of .10 or higher is estimated to be 10 times more likely to die in a boating accident than a sober one. Keep in mind that the sun, wind and boat vibration can accelerate impairment. Be responsible and carry food and non-alcoholic drinks.

For additional tips: https://www.statefarm.com/simp...