A towable tube is a guaranteed way to have a lot of fun during your time on the water--to make sure it stays that way you should follow these five tips for a safe day.

-- Never get on a towable tube without wearing a life vest. This goes for anyone in your group who may be riding on the tube, and really for the people in the boat as well. Being able to swim is simply not enough to ensure your safety-you could hit your head and pass out or get pulled into a strong current from the boat after falling into the water. Always wear a life vest and make sure everyone else in your group does, too.

-- Wear water helmets, especially when you have multiple riders. It may seem silly, because what would you hit your head on in the water? Well, for one, you could bump heads with another rider. If you have a helmet on when you bump heads and slip into the water, it's no big deal. Without the helmet you have a dangerous situation on your hands.

-- You must be a strong swimmer to ride on a towable inflatable. People slip into the water all the time and generally it's no big deal, unless you're unable to swim. With the current of the boat pushing against you it's important you're a strong swimmer before riding in the tube.

-- Follow any posted safety regulations at the area where you'll be boating. This may seem fairly basic, but because of that this rule gets overlooked a lot. Look for the posted sign with regulations and take a minute to read it over in case there are any specific things to watch out for where you'll be that day.

-- Don't drink alcohol before riding on a towable tube. This is another one that often gets overlooked, but can be a real life saver. When you've had a few drinks and ride on one of these fun water toys it's even easier to fall into the water, hit your head, and end up in a dangerous situation. Having a few drinks on your day at the lake can be a fun, relaxing way to spend the day-just don't ride in the tube.

Hopefully these tips haven't scared you away from the water! These rules are really fairly simple and when followed will help ensure you'll have many fun days on your towable tube to come.