What is a safe practice when sharing the water with other boaters?

A safe practice when sharing the water with other boaters is to always signal your moves and intentions clearly. Effective communication on the water is crucial for safety. By signaling your actions, such as turning, stopping, or changing speed, you allow other boaters to anticipate your movements, helping to avoid collisions and misunderstandings. This practice is essential because the water can be busy with various types of vessels, and clear signals enable everyone to navigate safely.

In contrast, assuming that other boaters know what you are doing creates a significant risk for accidents, as each person on the water may have a different level of experience or awareness. Only communicating if they approach you fails to establish a proactive safety protocol, which is necessary in potentially crowded or complex situations. Additionally, driving as fast as possible poses a danger not only to yourself but also to others, as higher speeds can reduce reaction time and increase the severity of any incidents that may occur.