Being proactive and getting prepared before the hurricane or tropical storm hits is extremely important—not only for the safety of you and your loved ones, but also for the safety of your boat.

When it comes to a boat safety checklist, there's a wide variety of equipment that responsible boaters should have onboard. The U.S. Coast Guard requires different items for different boat sizes, but some basic gear should always be kept aboard and inspected when completing your pre-departure checklist.

Boating is all about having fun—and it's also all about being safe and responsible while you're out on the water. These 14 safe boating tips will help you ensure safety for all passengers onboard whether you're enjoying a sunny day on the lake or cruising across the ocean.

This article covers everything you need to know about hypothermia in water — including what water temperature causes hypothermia and what to do if you get stuck in it while boating.