The Coast Guard says the biggest mistake is not wearing a life jacket.

"Ninety percent of people who have drowned in boating accidents weren't wearing a life jacket," says Petty Officer Michael Hulme.

He says you should always consider four more safety tips:  don't drink and boat, take a boating safety course, get a vessel safety check and file a float plan.

Hulme says a float plan is just letting someone know where you are going, when you should be back and they type of vessel you have.  He says this "can help save critical time in searches" if you don't return when you are supposed to.

He says watching out for debris in the water is always a good plan especially after Tropical Storm Fay.