LIFE JACKETS/FLOATATION DEVICES
Life jackets of the proper type for EVERYONE on board
Children and non-swimmers should wear them whenever aboard
Life jackets should always be readily accessible
A throwable floatation device should be on board

RULES AND REGULATIONS
Know the "Rules of the Road"
Familiarize yourself with the regulations by which you are governed
Boats at anchor are to be avoided
Sailboats (under sail) have the right-of-way
Boats being overtaken (passed) have the right-of-way
Boats approaching from your right (starboard) have the right-of-way
When meeting head-on, generally boats should prepare to pass port-to-port
You should take whatever means are necessary to avoid a collision

LIGHTING
Make sure your lights are functioning and properly displayed
Lights required on boats from sunset to sunrise
Navigation (bow or running) lights and stern lights...
must be on when boat is underway at night
Stern (anchor) light ONLY should be on when anchored, thereby...
indicating the boat is not underway and is to be avoided
Keep a flashlight aboard - electrical failure can leave you unable...
to signal at night with your boat lights or spotlight
...and yes, day trips can turn into night trips!
Keep spare bulbs for bow and stern lights
At night a spotlight is helpful in locating buoys & obstructions

ANCHOR & ANCHOR LINE
Anchor line should be 7 times water depth in length...
although typically, 5 times water depth is sufficient
Mushroom anchors on the river are useless - get a Navy or Danforth type anchor
A good anchor can keep you in place until help arrives

DEPTH FINDER
Shallow water is not good for your boat - know where the bottom is
If you are uncertain or in unfamiliar waters, reduce speed
If you don't have a depth finder, get one! It's cheaper than...
any repairs you will make from not having one

BE ALERT AND AWARE
Keep a good lookout for obstructions/hazards to navigation
Avoid debris, swimmers, skiers, jetties, sandbars, jet skis, etc.
Don't let passengers block your field of view

TRASH DISPOSAL
Keep a trash bag on board
No bottles (or bottle tops - they scratch boats) if possible
If you bring bottles, take them with you when you go
No bottles, cans, nails or other non-combustible items on a fire

NO WAKE ZONES AND CONDITIONS
Control your wake when appropriate
Slow down when conditions dictate
Be considerate of others

USE RAMP COURTESY
Prepare to launch before you occupy the ramp. Don't "hog" it
When loading at night, parking lights only. Don't blind the next fella...
trying to back down the ramp
Once you're on the trailer, pull clear of the ramp

CHANGING CONDITIONS
Be aware of changing water and weather conditions
Swift current, water level fluctuations, eddies, etc.
Anchor or tie down your boat when appropriate
High waters can submerge rocks, jetties, even buoys!
Summer storms can occur with little or no notice
When threatening weather approaches, go to a safe place

THE MAIN CHANNEL
Red-Right-Returning:
When R eturning to the source of a river (upstream)...
R ed buoys are to your R ight = Red-Right-Returning
Going downstream, green is to your right, red to your left
In unfamiliar waters, stay in the channel between green & red buoys
A spotlight at night is helpful in locating buoys & markers
Most buoys/markers have mileage numbers on or near them...
use these numbers to determine location or distances
Do not hit the buoys!

ADDITIONAL TIPS
Be prepared - it ain't gonna break down in your driveway
Always provide assistance - you may be next
Don't overload your boat - balance your load
Carry these items, if possible:
Extra gas and oil (somebody will need it!)
Spare propeller
Basic tools (wrench, screwdrivers, etc.)
Fenders (boat bumpers)
Extra line or tow rope
Two words --- drain plug!

Finally, these thoughts:

Remember, you're outdoors now, so be careful! Nothing can ruin a good time like a trip to the hospital. Be observant of your surroundings, terrain, and the weather. Be prepared for fog, mosquitoes, rain, wind, sun, and drunks. Be ready to offer advice and assistance, if needed. Generally, the sandbars are kept clear of bottles and glass, but be aware that some people, through ignorance or indifference, bring these items, and they occasionally get broken. If you don't bring them, they can't break! Watch out for stubs in vegetated areas, wear appropriate footwear. There are spiders, snakes and beavers here, but usually they are of little concern. Be careful around the fire! Several incidents (some quite serious) have occurred in recent years.

As the captain, you are responsible for the lives and safety of those aboard your vessel. As a host, you are additionally responsible for the conduct of your guests. If they engage in inappropriate behavior, please inform, restrain or correct them as necessary. There are additional considerations that haven't been mentioned such as magnetic compasses, first aid/medical supplies, staying clear of barges, those annoying jet skis and the idiots who ride them, locking procedures, fire extinguishers, spare fuses and batteries, jumper cables and many more. Too bad, can't do it all. But common sense and an understanding that the river (lake) is a public place, and an inherently dangerous one, should serve you well. So, have fun but...

Remember... you're outdoors now, so be careful!