Insist on life jackets when appropriate. Consider buying a comfortable life jacket that you will be willing to wear, especially if you sail with inexperienced crew. Skippers must check weather reports before leaving the dock, and use their best judgement in deciding whether or not to sail based on the conditions and the experience of their crew. Your crew is your responsibility. Make sure that you keep an eye on the weather.
Conditions can change quickly.
Even the best of sailors have gotten into trouble because of changing conditions. Be aware of impending bad weather and other boats in your vicinity. Be prudent and tie up at the closest floating dock before a storm or high winds hit. Leave the boat tied up elsewhere if necessary and call a Board Member for help. DSC daysailing boats are not to leave the docks if winds are expected to be greater than 20 knots or if lightning is visible.