In connection with National Safe Boating Week - Saturday to Friday, May 17 to 23 - the Coast Guard urges all Americans to familiarize themselves with best practices for a safe boating experience.

Everyone in the boat should always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for the water activity. People should file a float plan with someone they trust; the plan should detail where boaters are going and when they expect to return.

Those enjoying an outing on a boat should have a reliable means of communication for their area, be it a marine radio or a cell phone.

Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, so it is recommended that people do not consume alcohol while boating.

Anyone who would like to obtain a boat operation certificate or who wants to brush up on his or her skills may consider taking a boating skills course. Local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas conduct Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission-approved boating safety courses throughout the year.

People are also encouraged to schedule a vessel safety check. Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas conduct these checks free of charge at any time throughout the year.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard created by an act of Congress in 1939. The Auxiliary supports the Coast Guard in nearly all its missions except law enforcement and military operations. For more information, visit http://www.cgaux.org.