The Arrival of fall doesn’t mean the end of the boating season. In fact, for many it is the best time to take in calm waters, breathtaking scenery and a bounty of fish. However, the arrival of fall also means taking some extra safety precautions. Thanks to seatow.com for these helpful reminders.

1. Update your charts. Make sure your charts – electronic and paper – are up to date so you can use them to navigate instead of visual aids.

2. Check navigation lights and flares. Make sure that your boat's navigation lights are in working order and your emergency flares are not past their expiration date. Carry a couple of waterproof flashlights onboard to help you unload passengers and gear at the dock or boat ramp after dark, and be sure to stock spare batteries.

3. Make sure your VHF is working. During the fall, the waterways are less crowded. While this is peaceful, it also means that if you run into a problem, you might not see another boater. You can use your VHF radio to call for help even in spots where your cell phone has no signal.

4. Gas up before you go. With fewer boats on the water, some fuel docks may close early during the fall season. Don’t assume you can fill up at your destination for the return trip home.

5. Wear a life jacket. In the autumn, as water temperatures start to fall, boaters who accidentally fall overboard run an increased risk of hypothermia. While children under 13 must wear a life jacket when the boat is underway by law, it's a good idea for adults to wear them, too – especially at night.

6. Keep a “weather eye”. Autumn storms can approach swiftly, and often seem more menacing than summer rain showers