Safe Boating Is No Accident.

There should be laws and regulations governing power boating as there are for driving an automobile. Boating likewise is a privilege and not a right. 

For somebody to lawfully operate a power boat in any state I believe the following should be mandatory:

1. some kind of license or permit to operate a motor boat

2. some kind of minimum age requirement unless a licensed adult is on board

3. absolutely no driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

4. mandatory life jacket wearing for all persons on board a recreational power boat while boat is underway

5. some kind of formal boater training and safety education approved by the USCG

6. training on how to properly trailer a boat, launch and load a boat at a boat dock instead of holding up everybody in line like an amateur

7. mandatory liability boating insurance 

Too many idiots are out on the water. Proper training and stiffer regulation eliminates stupidity.