Welcome to Discover Better Boating. I'm Dave White and joining me today as we kick off National Safe Boating Week is Dale Currier from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Let's talk about three of the most important things a boater should have on board to be a safe boater.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

A There a number of different type of life jackets. The most common is the Type2 , which is designed for calm waters where people would be rescued quickly. A second kind is the Type 3, designed for different types of boating such as kayaking to power boating. Type 4, like a cushion or life ring, which can be thrown into the water for a rescue. Then you have the Type 5, inflatable, designed for someone who knows how to swim and only categorizes as a life jacket if it's worn.

Q Tell us about fire extinguishers.

A The extinguisher is required on all power boats. Things to remember: make sure it's charged, flip it around occasionally to keep the material loose and be sure you know how to operate it.

Q What about flares?

A Make sure they're not outdated. Keep them out of the package so they're accessible and know how they operate.