Wearing life jacket is a must for safe boating

Heloise

Dear Readers: Summer boating season is in full swing. Let’s look at possibly the most important piece of equipment you and your kids need in the boat: a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

You may think you don’t need a life jacket; you are a good swimmer, and the jackets are bulky, ugly and unflattering. Think again.

Today’s life jackets are lightweight and accommodating; they form to your body. And you can’t count on your swimming skills in an emergency.

A life jacket should keep your head above water so you can breathe. Each person on the boat must have a life jacket, and an adult life jacket cannot work on a child. The child needs his or her own — a child’s chin and ears must not slip through the life jacket.

Each state has regulations on life jackets. Make sure you know yours. You may need a throwable device, too.

Safety is always the most important element when it comes to a day of boating. Make sure you are prepared.

Dear Heloise: I have been noticing my dishes are coming out of the dishwasher with stains on them.

Anything I can add to take care of this problem? Should I try vinegar in the dishwasher? — M.B., via email

White vinegar makes a marvelous rinse aid if you have hard water. Fill a cup with white vinegar and place it in the top rack of the dishwasher. Load the dishwasher and add your regular detergent as always, then run the machine. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: You advised people to microchip their pets. I agree. However, the chip must be registered in the owner’s name — usually on the chip company’s website. Your vet should give you a paper explaining how to register. — Shelley P., via email

Shelley: Thanks for the tip! Ask your veterinarian. Many will register the chip for you. But if you move or change your phone number, call the chip company to update the information. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: There's no shortage of credit card companies offering rewards if you sign up for their card. I know it can be confusing, but if you plan to travel, chances are you will need a credit card or two. Pick one that offers you free points for airfare, hotels or car rentals, or just plain cash. Please remember that there is no "perfect card," but there might be a card that is perfect for what you need.

Many cards offer a point for every dollar spent, but some offer two or three times the points for travel, dining at restaurants or booking with certain airlines. Some cards offer a "sign-up bonus," but only after you've reached a spending minimum.

Look for cards that have a low annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Do not sign up for a bunch of credit cards — just a couple that suit your needs. Otherwise you might damage your credit rating. — Sydney M. in New York

Heloise answers letters only in her King Features Syndicate column. Write her at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000 or send a fax to 1-210-HELOISE.