Summer is just about here.

[NRI]

Brush up on safety tips before Summer.

Summer is just a month away, which means thawing, and the return of boating. In addition to ensuring your boat insurance policy is up-to-date, there are some safety tips you should consider before hitting the water for the first time this spring:

Consider leaving the alcohol on land: Enjoying a beer while soaking up the sun in the middle of the lake sounds like a good time, but it could put yourself and others in danger, according to Americana Outdoors.

"Alcohol affects you more out on the water than in an air conditioned bar," the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety President Chris Edmonston, told the news source.

Edmonston said the reason for this is that boaters experience the sun, wind and waves, which can make you handle alcohol differently. That said, it is best to wait until you get back to shore, and head to a bar before consuming an ice cold beverage.

Inspect the fuel system: With your boat being stored for the winter, you'll want to check up on certain aspects, such as the fuel system, according to Discover Boating. Two major things you'll want to look for are leaks or damage to the system. You need to pay special attention to fuel hoses, connections and tank surfaces, as damage to these parts of the system could mean trouble.

Keep your guests safe: As the captain of your boat, you aren't only responsible for yourself, but others on board. For this reason, it is important to make sure you have life vests for everyone, among other things. It is also important to make sure that your guests don't get too inebriated, as they can become a danger to themselves and you. The safest move would be to wait until you disembark before consuming alcohol.

Don't let warm weather fool you: In the spring, water can still be very cold, which is why it is important not to let warm weather fool you. Even though you are able to wear a t-shirt and shorts on the boat, cold waters can increase the risk of hypothermia, so it would be a good idea to keep extra layers of clothes on board just in case, according to World Fishing Network. Having rain gear is also smart.