I recently read that boating has become more dangerous than ever in Florida.

More people are dying in boating accidents. Victims falling into the water and drowning are causes of most deaths. They are usually in small boats, and those on board aren't wearing life jackets or have been drinking.

Several years ago, Florida watered down the requirements for people operating boats powered by 10 horsepower or more. To operate a boat powered by 10 or more horsepower or greater including personal watercrafts, a person 21 or younger must have completed a boating education course approved by the National Association of Safe Boating Law Administration, or NASBLA. His boating safety card and photo identification card must be carried when operating a boat.

The previous law required any person born after September 1980 operating a boat of 10 or more horsepower must have a safety identification card and photo identification. The boating education cards are free and issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Anyone operating a boat should have some training just as operating a car on the highway requires a driver's license. It is an excellent idea for anyone operating a boat to have taken at least a boating safety course.

I guess the most important factor in keeping boaters safe is boating education. Proper-fitting life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard could have saved most of the victims in the recent drowning statistics. There are now fairly inexpensive personal flotation devices that can be worn without any discomfort.

To get the most fun in the sun, first check the weather report before setting out in your boat. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen. Bring along some food and plenty of drinks, including water. Even if you're going on a short excursion, bring along some snacks or at least water. If you have children on board, keep them occupied and get them involved. Teach them to tie knots such as bowlines, cleat and clove hitches. Get them signed up for a safe boating course. Get the kids involved and let them enjoy a picnic, water skiing or wake boarding.

Take a Boat Smart course offered by the Cape Coral Power Squadron. The squadron is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Saturday and is at 917 S.E. 47th Terrace. For more details, call 549-9754.

— Bill Jefferson was former commander of the Cape Coral Power Squadron.