With the high school graduation season in full swing in Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources wants to remind graduates and their families and friends who are celebrating to keep water safety in mind.

"Tragic accidents can occur when people are together celebrating," said DNR Law Enforcement Chief Gary Hagler. "I would like to encourage graduates, their families and friends to be mindful of water safety if their celebrations are taking place at lakefront cottages or cabins this year."

Some basic water and boating safety rules include:

• When diving, know the water depth before you dive. Do not dive headfirst unless the area is clearly posted for diving.
• Never leave children unattended near water.
• When swimming, use the buddy system. Never go swimming alone.
• Less than experienced swimmers should never swim in water over chest deep.
• Do not swim if there are indications of bad weather.
• Know the rules where you are swimming. If no rules are posted, use your common sense.
• If you are using a watercraft of any kind, use a personal flotation device (PFD). All vessels must be equipped with one PFD per person.
• Alcohol and water activities never mix.
• Riding on the bow of a vessel is illegal unless the vessel is equipped with bow seating or operating at "slow, no wake speed."
• Each person riding on or being towed behind a personal watercraft (jet ski) must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, or III PFD. Inflatable PFDs may not be used.

"We want everyone to celebrate in a fun, but responsible manner," Hagler said. ""By following basic water and boating safety rules, we can prevent tragedies from marring this special time for graduates and their families. Additionally, adult supervision is key to everyone having a safe time."

For more information on boating and water safety, visit the DNR's Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.