Learn from the mistakes of others. Cautionary tales.

Everyone knows that the place to be in Texas in the summer is in the water. There’s lots to do – party boats, jet skis, water skiing, swimming and just chillin’ on the shore with friends and family.

But far too often a fun day on the water becomes a nightmare when someone drowns or is injured or killed in a boating accident.

Playing it safe on the water isn’t hard to do. Follow these simple tips to help prevent a fun day from turning into tragedy.

1. Never swim alone. Most drowning victims don’t yell for help; instead, they panic and slip quietly under water. Ask friends and family to keep an eye on one another in and around the water and learn to recognize the signs of someone in trouble. More
2. Always wear a life jacket. These days they come in really cool styles and colors. And they float, even when you don’t. More
3. Know the rules of the road. A boater education classcan bring you up to speed on the latest boating laws and rules in Texas. They’re just $13 and about six hours. And they may save you money on boater insurance. More
4. Boat safely. Know where you are on the water and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Know how to read and follow buoy signs. More
5. Drink responsibly and designate a driver for the boat and a safe ride home. Many drowning accidents involve alcohol, which affects your coordination and judgment - even more so when you're boating or swimming. Try to avoid alcohol on the water.  If you do drink, do it responsibly. Designate a sober boat operator and keep an eye on those who are drinking.  And always drink lots of water to stay hydrated - especially when drinking alcohol.
6. Have proper equipment onboard. And make sure it works correctly! Some equipment is required by state law. More
7. Use sunscreen . Being called “Lobster Boy” can get old fast. Plus it hurts – the sunburn, that is. And Hippie Hollow is far more painful without it.

It’s illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Texas. You should know what you’re risking if you do choose to operate a boat under the influence.

• The penalties for boating under the influence (BUI) can include large fines, revocation of operator privileges and serious jail terms.
• Alcohol is involved in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities.
• A boat operator is likely to become impaired more quickly than a driver on land, drink for drink. That’s because the marine environment – motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray – accelerates a drinker's impairment. These stressors cause fatigue that makes a boat operator's coordination, judgment and reaction time decline even faster when using alcohol.
• Most recreational boaters don't operate a boat every day and are less experienced and less confident on the water than on the highway.

Source: U.S. Coast Guard

Learn more: U.S. Coast Guard's site.