One thing that would be of benefit would be to take a boating education course. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission have several forms of education available to the public.

With this safe boating course, you'll soon be on the water with your Arkansas boater education certificate. This official online course has the same boating safety content as the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) classroom course. Pass this course, and then take your in-person exam at a AGFC testing site.

Prior to taking your boat out you should go through this check list to make sure it is operating correctly.

Know your boats capacity and how to properly load it. Learn about Vessel Length Classes by clicking here.

Always wear a life jacket and make sure your passengers do as well. 85% of victims of fatal boating accidents died because they were not wearing a life jacket.

Always be aware of the weather conditions before you head out on the water and know what to do if the weather begins to change.

You should always avoid alcoholic beverages while boating. More than one-third of all boating deaths resulting from collisions involved alcohol use.

Your time out on the lake should be enjoyable for you and your family but everyone should do their part to help make the waters safe.