MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — Keep these boating safety tips in mind when on the water.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says never operate a boat after using drugs or alcohol and make sure there’s a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person onboard. Check navigation lights before leaving the dock and keep extra batteries handy.
Boaters should also monitor weather conditions closely and carry a radio, as sudden wind, lightning, and rough water can signal an approaching storm. And before you leave, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
Three children died and several were injured last week when a boat capsized on Lake Geneva during heavy storms.