The Red Cross boating course has been active since 1946 and follows three simple principles....
Prepare - Stay Safe - Survive
Prepare.....
be personally prepared, up do date on procedures and healthy enough to participate.
be prepared with equipment, personally check that everything is operating properly BEFORE entering the water
Stay Safe.....
Use your equipment properly,
Be alert and respond to things that you see on or around the water
Survive......
Know the right actions to take in case of emergency, What do you do? Where do you go?