The Times is doing a series of articles highlighting common laws and rules. Today, we examine boating laws and rules. To suggest a law for The Times to highlight, contact the writer.

This is the time of year when people begin enjoying boating activities on Lake Michigan and the region's other lakes and rivers, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources wants to remind people of some of the most commonly violated boating laws and rules.

Indiana law states it is illegal to operate a motorboat while intoxicated. Drunken boaters, just like drunken drivers, face criminal charges. Indiana Conservation Officer Gene Davis said officers patrol the waters to enforce laws, keep people safe and offer assistance.

Davis offered the following advice:

- Make sure your motorboat registration is current and your new decals are in place.

- Make sure all equipment on the boat is in good working condition for the first outing of the year.

- Check to see that all life jackets are in good condition. There must be enough life jackets for the number of people on a boat. If a boat is 16 feet or longer, there must be a Type IV ring buoy or seat cushion on board. On Lake Michigan, all children younger than 13 years old must wear life jackets that are the proper size.

- Always tell someone about your boating plans so that if there's a problem, a search can promptly begin.

- Take an anchor and line so if your boat motor quits, you can stay anchored until help arrives. A signaling device also is recommended, as is a flashlight.