WACO, TX — As the weather warms up, Daniel Follis and his family will take to the lake to spend time on their boat, but one thing the Follis' are sure to keep in mind is safety.
"There’s a lot of accidents that happen on the water. One of the biggest things that we’re completely against is, number one, people not having life jackets on their vessels," Daniel Follis said. "My boat is ready to have ten people in the boat, so I have ten life jackets on my boat at all times."
Daniel Follis says he teaches boat safety frequently to his two sons, 13-year-old Shawn and 10-year-old Hunter.
“Dad says every time you go in the boat you have to put on your life jacket," Hunter Follis said.
Both of his sons know exactly what to do when they set foot on their boat.
“Always wear your life jacket, be safe. While the boat is moving don’t move around," Shawn Follis said.
All three also make sure they have other required safety equipment on board before heading out.
"I have a life preserver, you throw that device. You have to have a paddle on the vessel. You have to have a safety rope. It’s good to have a rope system. We have a flotation device box. We have to have a first aid kit, a horn, a whistle, and a fire extinguisher," Daniel said. "Texas law has every single rule about light systems and how to use them. You have to have a 360 white light above at all times, and you have to have reds and greens in the front.”
All the safety equipment and safety checks are OK with both Hunter and Shawn. They're also okay with their dad's insistence on safety. Both say their dad is very strict about safety, but for good reason.
"It's very important and dad is very strict," Daniel Follis said.
All three stress safety is part of a legacy of boating life for their family.
"My dad took me fishing out on the boat when I was a kid, and I take my kids fishing out on the boat while they’re kids. And, I hope one day my kids will take my grandchildren, in the future, out on the boat fishing," Daniel Follis said.
Daniel Follis' sons say they're eager to carry on the family legacy.
"Thanks, dad for teaching us how to do all this. I hope my kids do exactly the same thing," Shawn said.
