Boating is both an exhilarating sport and a relaxing hobby. Whether your idea of "fun" is speeding through the surf or paddling along a quiet stream, water is the perfect backdrop for a day of unbridled freedom. Water is fun and relaxing, but it does command utmost respect. There can be a lot of danger to participating in water sports, and the smartest boaters are always the safest boaters.
Stay Afloat
A personal floatation device (PFD) is an absolute must for all boaters. Every boater should expect the unexpected and be prepared. Weather is completely unpredictable, and a fast-moving storm can turn the waters from calm to calamity in an instant. Other boats and unseen hazards can bring about a collision or cause you to capsize. Even the most experienced boaters face unexpected dangers on the water. That's why everyone on the boat, including the boat operator, must wear a personal floatation device. This is especially important for young children, as they are at most risk of injury or drowning. It's not only smart to wear a PFD, it's the law in many places.
Learn About Safety
A boating safety course is not just for the novice; experienced boaters can benefit from this training as well. There is likely a free boating safety course available in your area, and lessons can be completed in just a couple of days. Enroll in the course and sign your entire family up as well. A person is never too young (or too old) to learn to respect the water. The Internet is a great resource for finding information about boating programs, so if you're having trouble finding a safety course near you, check online for information.
Boats and Booze Don't Mix
Drinking and boating is every bit as dangerous, and just as illegal, as drinking and driving. You're taking the lives of others in your hands when you're operating any type of watercraft, and you need to stay alert at all times. Alcohol, drugs and even certain prescription medications will dull your reflexes and impair your judgment. In most areas, the waterways are governed by the same impairment laws that are imposed upon automobile drivers.
Use Common Sense
The cornerstone of boat safety is sensibility. You must know your limits and be sure that you can make educated decisions in a split second. Know how to react if another boat veers suddenly toward you. Know what to do if a friend falls from his water skis and disappears from sight. You'll need to make judgment calls, so understand the potential dangers and learn how to react.
Be Respectful
Respect is as important on the water as it is on the highway. Be cautious of other boaters, and respect their right to share the waters. Make sure that other boaters can see you, particularly at night. Maintain the water speed limit and follow the existing rules of the waterway. Have respect for your passengers, and yourself, as well. Showing off on the water won't impress anyone.
Boat Maintenance
Boat safety begins with the boat, so make sure that yours is in proper working condition. Check your craft often, and make sure that all components are in working order and meet boat safety requirements. Keeping a maintenance record of your boat is just as important as keeping one for your car. Take your boat and motor for regular maintenance, and learn how to perform emergency maintenance in the event of an accident or breakdown on the water.
Whether you love to cruise in a kayak or hit the waves on a wakeboard, the water can be a great way to cut loose and relax. Just make sure to respect the potential dangers of the water, and always make safety your first priority.
With everyone rushing towards the biggest social networking site around, MySpace how can you make sure you stay safe? After all, internet predators lurk everywhere, but what is the fun in hiding behind your monitor never meeting new people? There is none, with everything there is to do online; hiding behind that virtual brick wall even on MySpace is no fun.
Tip 1. Set your profile to private if you are very worried about a predator. This is the best way to avoid them; however, it also makes it hard for you to meet new people.
Tip 2. Never give out specific information to people you do not know on MySpace. If someone sends you a message asking your name, address or phone number do not give it out. Never give any identifiable information like this because it is very dangerous.
Tip 3. It is very dangerous to post private information onto your MySpace page. This means no posting your phone number, full name, or address. Definitely do not ever post your bank account information, credit card information, or social security number. You must guard your personal information in order to be the safest possible.
Tip 4. Set your profile so that you must approve all messages left on your page. This will allow you to reject messages that are inappropriate, as well as delete any SPAM before it ever publishes to your page.
Tip 5. If someone is harassing you then report it immediately to the MySpace staff. Never let the harassment go.
Tip 6. If someone has stolen your identity, notify MySpace immediately. Their general policy is that you must send them a picture, with you holding your ID, as well as your name written onto a piece of paper. Once they verify you are who you say you are, the other profile is deleted. This is to ensure someone does not have a profile deleted which is not theirs, or claiming to be theirs.
Tip 7. Never give out your password to your MySpace profile. This is a very bad idea, no matter how much you trust the other person.
Tip 8. Always check out the profile page of someone who has sent you a friend request. If the page looks like SPAM, then deny the request. Those who are looking to SPAM are trouble, and will likely make your profile page look like an advertising for their product. Save the hassle and headache and deny the request.
With these simple tips, your experience on MySpace will be much safer. The most popular social networking site on the internet can be fun; with some precautions it can also be very safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Both Celeste Izon & Josh Stone are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Celeste Izon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Boating, Ski and The Beach Resort. Columnist Celeste Izon loves writing for numerous web sites, on and