As the weather warms up, most people’s thoughts turn to spending long summer days on a boat enjoying Bermuda’s beautiful water.

But many people forget the importance of safety on the water when they head out for a day of fun in the sun.

As an easy reminder, here are some important tips from the Bermuda Water Safety Council’s handbook to keep you and your family and friends safe all summer long:

Equipment: Before going out on the water, make sure your watercraft, whether motor or sailboat, has all the necessary equipment.

This includes life jackets for every passenger, oars or paddles, an anchor and horn for travelling in inshore waters.

For offshore travel, equipment includes flares, a mirror and a fire extinguisher.

Weather: Make sure to check the weather forecast before setting off for that day. Weather conditions can be found on cable channel four or by calling 977 for weather forecasts. Bermuda Harbour Radio also broadcasts weather conditions on VHF channel 27 twice daily.

Out and About:<$f"Wingdings-Regular">There are many challenges to travelling on the water and no one should attempt to jump in a boat and drive it as if they were in a car. Boaters should be aware of shallow reefs and keep an eye out for debris.

Such objects, if struck, can damage a boat or, depending on the speed of impact, can injure passengers.

Most accidents that have taken place on the water around the Island over the years have been a result of drinking excessive alcohol. It is recommended that drinking too much alcohol while motoring out on the water should be avoided.

Keep to starboard (right) in all channels.

Maintain the five knot “no wake” speed limit within 100 metres of the shore or in restricted areas.

Reduce speed to as slow as possible when passing docks, bays and congested areas.

Motor slowly and with caution when passing swimmers.

Sitting on the bow (front) of a boat that is in motion- also known as bow riding- is both illegal and very dangerous and should not be undertaken.

Motorboats should keep clear of sailboats when they are under sail.

Travelling at night:<$f"Wingdings-Regular">Travelling in a boat at night should only be done by the most experienced boaters. Bermuda law requires that licensed pilots thoroughly understand the locations of navigational lights around the Island.

Knowledge of these navigational aids is the only true way to navigate at night.

If travelling at night, correct running lights are essential. Understand your surroundings by familiarising yourself with lights on the shore.

Also, learn the navigational lights, their colours and number of repetitions.

For more detailed information on water safety, consult the Bermuda Water Safety Council Handbook, which is available at the Bermuda Police’s Marine Section, located at Barr’s Park on Pitts Bay Road.