Rule 4: Pay Attention

Not paying attention while driving a boat is a big safety risk and a common cause of boating incidents.

When you’re driving a boat, getting distracted can mean you miss important signs, don’t see dangers, and react too slowly. This can lead to crashes, running aground, or other dangerous situations.

Boat operators need to be aware of everything around them, such as other boats, the weather, and navigation issues. Not paying attention can be just as bad as driving a boat while drunk or on drugs. If you’re driving the boat, you need to focus on driving safely for the passengers aboard.