In an effort to be good role models, we've been making a bigger deal lately in the magazine out of riders wearing life jackets. Besides being the right thing to do, there just isn't much excuse for not wearing them anymore. It's kind of the same exact argument as condoms. So take that as you will.

But one thing the you can never talk about enough is boat driving, which is probably a bigger danger to us all than drowning. I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who told me his nephew got run over yesterday by a guy who was driving someone boat surfing. Somehow the kid is alright, but his board and life vest got mangled in the prop. It reminded me that a few years ago my 30-year-old neighbor was killed by a 15-year-old kid who was driving his friend boat surfing. Even though the speeds are slower, this is the most dangerous activity on the water because the bow is often lifted way in the air and the driver is paying more attention to the exact speed of the boat wake behind him than what is in front of him. So do everyone a favor and if you boat surf at least have Perfect Pass so you can set the speed and look forward over the bow the whole time. Just the other day I saw a really close call on my lake, and now I won't even ride if there is a particular boat anywhere near my line.

Anyways, there's a little calculated risk in what we do, but that risk should remain on the rider. When you get behind the wheel that shouldn't be the time to take chances. For everyone's sake, be a good captain.