Coast Guard: The cause of most fatal boating accidents

Boating is fine, but the sport needs to be taken seriously. According to the Coast Guard Auxiliary, there have already been three boating deaths this year.

As part of National Boating Safety Week, which runs May 19-25, rescuers are sharing some guidelines to keep boaters safe on the water.

Officials say whether you're driving or a passenger on a boat, you should understand boating rules -- what to do in certain scenarios, what buoys mean and what kind of lights you need to have.

Boating safety classes are offered as refreshers, and anyone born after 1988 is required to take one to operate a boat.

One of the most important practices? Always wear a safety jacket.

It's required for kids younger than 13, but rescuers say everyone should wear one, especially while the boat is moving.

Jeff Conley with the Coast Guard Auxiliary says there's usually one common factor in boating accidents and deaths -- drinking.

"Most of the fatalities that we've had on the water -- most of the time -- have been connected with somebody who has been drinking," said Conley. "We've had a couple of boaters fall overboard and drown. It's not something that needed to happen."

Conley says you should also always be aware of what's around you, looking behind you, to the sides and in front, and let the driver know if anything's coming up.