The U.S. Coast Guard has certain safety regulations that must be met by all boats. But even beyond the official regulations, there are smart boating safety guidelines that everyone should follow.

Following these very simple tips will ensure that you and your family can enjoy your boating experience with little risk of safety problems.

1. Boat condition: Before taking your boat out, do a thorough check to make sure that everything looks clean and undamaged and that your boat is in top operating condition. It’s also a good idea to have a boat specialist check the condition of your boat every year or so. Think of it as similar to a car;. You probably don’t go longer than a couple of years without taking your car to the mechanic for a check-up. Boats are the same.

2. Boating safety equipment: Coast guard regulations require every boat to have proper safety equipment that is in good condition. It’s also necessary that you know how to use this equipment. If you have a fire extinguisher, for example, make sure that you know how to use it. Also, periodically test all flotation devices to make sure they’re in proper working order.

3. Practice in safe circumstances: When you get a new boat, before taking it on any long outings, practice using it without going far from the shore or the dock. Every boat handles slightly differently, so before getting adventurous, master the controls and get a good feel for maneuvering the craft.

4. Know how to navigate: It’s essential to always know where you are, the direction you’re heading, and what landmarks are in your vicinity. Keep a map, a compass, and any other relevant navigational devices on board, and avoid getting into positions where you don’t know where you are.

5. Maintain a safe speed: Give yourself enough time to get where you’re going without being in a hurry, and always travel at a leisurely pace.

6. Know the rules of the road: Memorize the rules of the road, but remember that you can’t trust other boaters to be as familiar with them as you are. Drive defensively.

7. Look out: Most boating collisions occur because someone failed to pay attention to where they were going. Any time you’re boating, there needs to be at least one person who is paying close attention to the surroundings and the direction of the boat. Always scan your surroundings in all directions, and even when you’re stopped, have someone on board who is in charge of keeping an eye on things.