Boating safety: How to keep you and your family safe on the water

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- If you plan on spending time this summer on a boat, Sgt. David Ritzheimer with the North Carolina State Wildlife Law Enforcement says they are a few things you need to know before you get on the water.

• Check your fire extinguisher. Make sure that it is in working order and easily accessible.
• Be sure you have a life jacket on board for each person on your boat.
• Make sure the life jackets fit properly.
• Law requires anyone under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket at all times.
• Do not lock the life jackets away. Make sure they are easily accessible.
• If your boat is 16 feet or longer, you need a throw cushion.
• Throw cushion should be free of rips or tears.
• Have a kill cord attached to the boat's captain while the boat is in operation.
• If you're drinking, don't drive. You can get a DWI while boating just as you can while driving.