When taking your boat out for a day of sun and fun on one of Michigan's many waterways, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and boating safety advocates encourage you to put safety first.

"With a lake or stream never more than six miles away, it's no wonder so many Michigan residents love spending a summer day on the water," said Land, whose office registers more than 939,000 watercraft. "Let's keep these waterways safe by remembering simple tips that will keep you casting away from the dock year after year.

"One of the easiest things you can do is to always wear a life jacket. Drowning accidents account for 70 percent of all boating fatalities."

Land's message coincides with National Safe Boating Week, which is May 17-23.

Van Snider, president of the Michigan Boating Industries Association, encouraged boaters to take a safety course, which are conveniently offered throughout the state from a number of organizations. Graduates of course receive a boating safety certificate, which is required to operate a personal watercraft for people born after 1978.

"Enrolling in a boating safety course is probably the most important step you can take to protect yourself and your boat," Snider said. "You'll learn the skills necessary to be a safe and knowledgeable boater."

Snider noted that Michigan boaters should be proud of their safety record. Through education and responsible operation, boating accidents and fatalities in Michigan had declined steadily as boat registrations had increased over the years.

Residents interested in taking a boating safety course should check with the following sources for more information:

• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at nws.cgaux.org, (800) 336-BOAT; (336-2628 for the BoatU.S. boating safety course hot line.)
• U.S. Power Squadron at www.usps.org.
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources at www.michigan.gov/dnr.
• County sheriff's offices, community colleges, and marinas and boat dealers.

Boaters should avoid consuming alcohol while using their boat. In Michigan, a person convicted of operating a watercraft while intoxicated may not operate a boat for six months to a year.

"Operating your boat while being intoxicated is one of the most dangerous things you can do," said Lt. Dean E. Horton Sr., chief of inspections and investigations at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit. "You need to be sharp out on the water to avoid unsafe situations for yourself, your loved ones, and other boaters and swimmers around you. Alcohol dulls your senses and slows your reaction time. Plus, boating under the influence of alcohol is against state and federal law."

Other good tips from the U.S. Coast Guard include:

• Take extra precaution near boats towing skiers or tubers.
• Never reverse the boat to pick up someone out of the water but instead circle around the person.
• Examine your boat's stern to make certain no one is near the propeller before you start the engine.
• Be especially alert when operating in congested areas and never enter swimming zones.

The Department of State offers a safe boating booklet at its branch offices. The guide is free and has information about boating basics, laws and safety.

The Michigan Boating Industries Association is a nonprofit trade group dedicated to the promotion, protection and advancement of the recreational boating industry. For more information visit www.mbia.org.

For more information about personal watercraft, watercraft registration or other Department of State services visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.