Safety equipment on board should include: Radio, life jackets, compass, chart, fire extinguishers, anchor, line, paddle, bailers, lights, flares, sound signaling device (like a whistle or horn), first aid kit, basic tools and spare parts.
- Make sure all equipment and lights are working before leaving shore.
Wear a life jacket at all times. - Don’t drink and drive.
- Do not overload the boat beyond its capacity.
- Stay on the lakeside of “Danger Shoreward” buoys.
- Stay at least 600’ from shoreline.
- Obey 5 mph zone in buoy fields and within 600’ of shore.
- Watch for underwater debris in spring that is washed into the lake by streams.
- Know the weather conditions.
- Plan afternoon trips on the West Shore to avoid dangerous winds.
- In high winds, head to a sheltered harbor and wait it out.
- Take a boat safety class.
- Get a free vessel safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
