With boating season kicking off, many travelers are packing up the family and friends for a trip out on the water. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and other states are prepared for boaters, and are looking forward to a great year. And, they also understand the importance of Boating Safety, and have a few tips for new and seasoned boaters.

Each year there are a few easily preventable boating deaths and injuries that occur on waterways. According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, there were 13 fatalities on Alabama waterways in 2009 alone. This does not include accident or deaths in other states. With proper boating safety these deaths could have been prevented, which is why is it important to know what to do in case of a emergency.

The first safety tip from Lt. Erica Shipman with the education section of the Alabama Marine Police, is to wear a life jacket, which is the best and easiest way to stay safe on the water. “Here in Alabama most of the boating fatalities are the result of capsizing or falling overboard where people actually end up in the water without a life jacket on,” Shipman said. “Most of these boating-related deaths could be prevented if the person had just worn their life jacket. When using a lifejacket, boaters need to make sure that the life jacket fits properly and that it’s in good condition. "And above all they need to remember that it doesn’t work if they don't wear it,” states Lt. Erica Shipman.

Here are some lifesaving items to check for before before hitting the water: