The planet is mostly water. The global warming scientists tell us that the water levels will increase in the coming years. With that in mind, it may be a good idea to learn some basic boating.
In addition to the emergency situations, boating can be a lot of fun. Whether you are operating a larger boat with all your friends or just canoeing down a quiet river, there are a lot of benefits to being out on the water. To help matters, kayaks have been getting cheaper lately.
Whenever you are on the water, be sure to obey the laws and take all the safety precautions. No matter how good of a swimmer you are, wear your life jacket. When possible, go with others or at least let someone know where you are going. If possible, take a safety course.
Depending on your area, boating and boater safety courses may be difficult find. Your state's Department of Natural Resources or local equivalent may have some suggestions. You can also contact the BoatUS Foundation or the United States Coast Guard.