with summer now in full swing, all boaters should be reminded of the three C's of boating safety.

Boaters should use 'C'aution when operating their vessel, be 'C'ourteous to other boaters on the water and use 'C'ommon sense.

All boaters should:

Have a sober operator: Don't operate a boat under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. The lake environment -- motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and water spray -- accelerates a drinker's impairment and decreases coordination, judgment and reaction time.

Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket or personal flotation device at all times. The law requires you to have a Personal Flotation Device on-board for each passenger and all occupants in a boat should wear a PFD at all times.

Fire liability

Any person, who personally or allows another person to willfully or negligently set fire to, or allows a fire to escape to the property of another, is liable to the property owner for any damages caused by the fire.

Campfire tips

While camping, keep a shovel and bucket of water nearby to extinguish the campfire and clear all flammable vegetation at least 10 feet in all directions.

Scoop a depression in the center of the cleared area in which to build the fire and put a ring of rocks around it.

Fire must never be left unattended and the fire must be extinguished completely before everyone leaves camp.

Cooking safety

Use barbecue grills safely.

Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Place the grill a safe distance from play areas and foot traffic.

Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

Charcoal grills

Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources.

Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited.

Propane grills

Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.

If you determined your grill has a gas leak by smell or the soapy bubble test and there is no flame, turn off the propane tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.

Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.

Children and fires

Children playing with fire cause hundreds of deaths and injuries each year. Preschoolers and kindergartners are most likely to start these fires, typically by playing with matches and lighters.

In 2006, children playing with fire started an estimated 14,500 structure fires that were reported to U.S. fire departments, causing an estimated 130 civilian deaths, 810 civilian injuries and $328 million in direct property damage.

Nearly two-thirds, 63%, of all fatal fire victims are children 5 years old and younger playing with fire.

Safety tips

Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight.

Never use lighters or matches as a source of amusement for children -- they may imitate you.

If your child expresses curiosity about fire or has been playing with fire, calmly but firmly explain that matches and lighters are tools for adults only.

Six common summertime dangers

Did you know that more accidents occur during the warm weather months than any other time of year? As people head outdoors and enjoy what summer has to offer, they're not always the most careful. Here are six potential dangers.

Sunburn: Failure to apply -- and reapply -- sunblock can result in a nasty burn. Not only can it be painful, it could lead to dangerous skin cancer.

;Dehydration: Couple hot weather with outdoor exertion and a person can quickly get thirsty. Failure to replenish liquid lost through sweating and activity can result in dehydration.

Food poisoning: Hot weather and improperly stored food can result in food poisoning. Don't eat any food that has been sitting outside for more than an hour.

Insects: Mosquitoes, bees, wasps, spiders and all of the other winged and multi-legged creatures come out from their roosts when the temperature climbs.

Water: Drownings in pools, lakes and rivers definitely increase as the weather gets warmer. Always practice the utmost care in and around water. Safety vests are essential.

Vehicles: With more cars on the road during summer months, vehicular accidents can increase, primarily when alcohol is involved.