GENERAL PRECAUTIONS As operator of your Alumacraft boat, your safety and that of your passengers and other boaters is your responsibility. Please use the following general precautions each time you use your boat: • Provide and use all required safety equipment. • Make sure all children and nonswimming passengers wear their PFDs and all other passengers have ready access to them. • Make sure all persons are properly seated before moving the boat. • Make sure you load passengers and gear safely, distributing all loads evenly. • Know the maximum weight capacity and horsepower rating for your boat, and do not exceed these limits. • Refuel safely as described in Section 4 - Getting Underway. • If you are on “Big Water” be sure someone on shore knows where you plan to be. • Do not risk boating in storms or when storms are forecast. • Always attach the emergency shut-off lanyard to the operator before starting the gasoline engine. • Always stay alert when underway and keep one hand on the steering mechanism and one hand on the throttle. Never let go of the steering control. • Know the nautical rules as described in Section 2 - Rules of the Road in this manual. • Learn to anchor and dock properly as described in Section 4 - Getting Underway. • At night, use navigation lights and travel at slower speeds. • Never operate your boat while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
WARNING
Never operate or allow another person to operate the boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Fifty percent of all boating fatalities involve alcohol. Operation while under the influence of such substances is a violation of Federal law.
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