The Top Ten Resolutions for 2005 by BOATU.S.

By Don Quilici

According to a recent press release by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BOATU.S.), to help boaters have even better boating experiences in 2005, the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water suggests these top ten New Year's resolutions that will make your boating safer, cleaner, and more rewarding for everyone aboard:

1. Teach a child or friend how to sail, or introduce them to the sport of boating. You can get them started by sending them to the Foundation's free online boating safety course at BoatUS.com/Foundation.

2. Check your flares, fire extinguisher and other safely equipment to be certain it's in good condition and up-to-date. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons offer free vessel safety checks that can help identify these or any other potential problems.

3. The next time you go fishing, experiment with circle hooks. These fish-saving hooks will save an angler's excitement of the catch for another day or even for your own child.

4. Familiarize yourself with an online weather service so it becomes a routine part of your pre-departure planning. Knowing potential conditions before you go makes planning easier.

5. Fuel up your boat without spilling a drop overboard this entire season and contain engine room drops and spills with bilge pads and socks. The cumulative effects of a little drop here and there can add up.

6. Purchase and wear an inflatable life jacket. Being comfortable in your life saving, personal floatation device means you will use it.

7. Tune your engine. An engine running at top performance can drastically reduce harmful exhaust or oil emissions and you'll get more miles to the gallon.

8. Set up some easy to identify, separate trash and recycling containers aboard. A readily available disposal system helps keep trash out of the water.

9. Save the alcohol for when you arrive safely back at the dock. The majority of all boating fatalities are alcohol related.

10. Make a donation to your favorite educational or marine conservation group. In doing so, you will make a positive difference for every boater in 2005 and gain a great sense of personal satisfaction.

The BoatU.S Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and research organization funded by recreational boaters nationwide.

For information visit http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation.