1) The most common cause of fatal boating accidents result from collisions
falls overboard and capsizings
fire
young operators

2) When maneuvering a boat to retrieve a person who has fallen overboard, approach the person with the bow of the boat heading into the wind and seas
with the stern of the boat heading into the wind and seas
from the stern
in a circular motion

3) If your boat runs aground, all persons should put on life jackets and then you should put the engine in reverse and back out
anchor
call the US Coast Guard or marine rescue
check the hull for damage

4) To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning keep fresh air circulating throughout the boat
install a smoke detector
run a generator while anchored
install arrestors

5) The best way to avoid a fire is to have extra fire extinguishers
install smoke detectors in all closed spaces
use non-flammable fuel mixtures
perform regular mechanical and electrical maintenance

6) If your boat capsizes and you are in the water, the preferred course of action is to swim to shore regardless of the distance
swim to shore only if the distance is less than 1 mile
stay with the boat
give up

7) A boating accident needs to be reported to your state boating agency if you run aground, but there is no damage to the hull or engine
your passenger falls in the boat and receives 6 stitches
you slip and fall in the boat and bruise your leg
you forgot to install the boat plug

8) The most frequent cause of boating collisions is young operators who are boating for the first time
old operators who have not been boating before
improper lookout and excessive speed
improper anchoring