Skimping on essentials may leave you unprepared for emergencies on the water, but overloading your boat can take a toll on your performance by slowing you down and hampering your fuel efficiency. (If your dealer promised you a top speed you haven’t been able to reach, extra gear on board might be the problem.) Strike the perfect balance by remembering to pack these essentials in three categories: safety, comfort, and fun.

If you have children on board, they’re required by law to wear life jackets; make sure they fit correctly. All life jackets should be in good condition, and different categories of life jackets have different performance qualities. Type I and II have the most inherent buoyancy and can almost always turn an unconscious person face upward, keeping their head above water. Choose life jackets best suited to your boating activities and water conditions.

Throwable Flotation Device – Your boat is also required to have at least one Type IV throwable device, like a cushion or a life ring that you can toss to a person in the water. With an attached lanyard, you can easily pull the person back to the boat. Keep it within reach.

ID’s & Documents – Boats must have a current boat registration and license on board. Be sure to keep them in a waterproof case or dry bag.

My Medic (www.mymedic.com)

Flashlight (With Working Batteries) – You never want to be stuck out on the water in the dark with a power outage, so be sure to bring a working flashlight. I love keeping a compact but powerful flashlight inside my first aid kit.

Orange Flag – An orange skier down flag is required in many states, but it is a smart idea in all of them. Wave the flag when you have swimmers in the water, not just when skiers or tubers have fallen.

GPS Device Or Your Phone – Though you never want to drop it in the water, bringing your phone on board has so many advantages. If your boat doesn’t have a GPS device, your phone can help you map out routes when you’re lost or call for the Coast Guard or marine patrol in the event of an emergency. Keep an extra phone charger on hand in the event that your battery gets low.

Anchor & Rode – Although an anchor isn’t required by law, it’s a great way to keep your boat in place while fishing, swimming, or when having a picnic. Plus, if you happen to lose power it can keep you from drifting downriver or into other boats while you are waiting for help.

Dock Lines & Fenders -Tying up your boat is always going to be necessary, and it’s best to purchase small buoys that you’ll actually use with enough line to tie your boat up at the dock. All you need is a small buffer between your boat rails and the dock to avoid scratches and dents. Be sure to have the boat fenders ready to go and easily accessible. Otherwise, they’ll never be used and will just be taking up precious space.

Paddle – Don’t get caught up a creek or balancing on the edge of danger with engine failure with no paddle. A slim paddle can fit easily in an in-floor ski locker, or attached to the inside rails of your boat, and in a pinch, you can use it as a push pole in shallow water.

Hat and Sunglasses – For an extra layer of protection for your face and eyes, wear a hat and sunglasses. You’ll not only feel cooler, you’ll look cooler, too.

Jacket Or Sweatshirt – Sunny days can be flanked by cool mornings and chilly evenings, so keep a sweatshirt or lightweight rain jacket handy so you can always stay warm. I keep a handful of larger jackets on board so anyone can wrap up in one when they’re cold.

Music Playlist – Not much pairs better with a sunny day on the water than listening to upbeat songs and my kids’ favorite music. I have a few favorite playlists ready to go on Spotify, and it links so easily to the on board stereo.

Water Sports Equipment & Air Pump – Keep your family’s favorite water sports equipment on board in the ski locker or bench storage. Always make sure to dry off inflatables, towables, water skis, and wakeboards after a day of boating and repack them on board so they’re ready to go for next time. Keep only what you plan to use on board, though. No sense taking the entire garage of tubes for an outing where you know you’re only going to break out the water skis. Remember to keep a 12-volt air pump on board if you’re using inflatables. And when you purchase a tube for towing, remember to also buy a rope to tow it with.

I’ve found that I can easily store most things on this packing list right on board, so last minute packing usually only means snacks, water, fresh towels, and the towables we’ll need for the day. And once we’re packed and ready to go, the fun can truly begin. Being well prepared helps the day on the water go smoothly, so pack these essentials and enjoy your next boating adventure.