Boating safely takes more than common sense

When it’s hot out, there’s no better place to be than on the water. But before you relax, remember: You need a few things on your boat if you don’t want a ticket, including life jackets that fit for everyone on board.

“In addition to the life jackets, you need to have a fire extinguisher, some type of a sound-producing device, usually a horn or a whistle, and the certificate of number, which is the boat registration,” said Deschutes County sheriff’s Deputy Mike Biondi. “And if the boat is 16 feet or longer it needs to have a throwable” float.

Yes, most of the rules of the water are simple enough that even your kids probably have them down. But here’s a few more that are a little easier to forget.

For example, don’t put more people on your boat than the sticker says it’s meant to hold.

You actually can drink while driving a boat, and even have a drink in your hand — but if your blood alcohol level is over .08, you could get a BUI — Boating Under the Influence.

About those life jackets — anyone under 13 years old must where one at all times. While adults are not required by law to wear a life vest, they do have to be readily accessible.

“That doesn’t mean stowed in a hatch or in it’s original wrapping,” Biondi. “It means just that readily accessible somewhere you can get to it in an emergency.

One of the easiest things you can do to protect yourself and others is simply just pay attention.

“Last week, we had two personal water crafts injure each other, both of the riders were inexperienced and had rented the jet skis,” said Biondi.

Slowing down and pre-planning can ensure your next time on the water won’t be your last.

To get your Oregon boating license, you can go online at http://www.boat-ed.com or you can sign up for a free class through the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.