Have you ever opened an old flashlight or headlamp to change the batteries only to find that your old batteries have leaked toxic gunk all over the inside, corroding your device beyond repair? Batteries don’t have to be as old as you might think for this to happen, and it’s a common occurrence wherever batteries and electronics come in contact with water — like out on your boat. Anything requiring batteries that you normally leave on your boat should be checked frequently for corrosion. Rust or white residue on a device’s power contacts can usually be carefully removed with a wire brush.

This summer don’t wait for your light, radio or camera to be eaten from the inside out by old, poor-quality alkaline batteries. Replace all AA and AAA power systems with new Ultimate Lithium batteries, by Energizer, and you’ll be doing yourself and your gear a huge favor. Since introducing the first lithiums in 2003, Energizer has continued to improve on the design, resulting in the next generation of long-lasting, portable power. Not only does Ultimate Lithium crank out power eight times as long as alkaline, but they perform better in in extreme temperatures ranging from -40 F to 140 F. They also have a longer shelf life (15 years), weigh 1/3 less, and have been redesigned to resist leaking and corrosion. That’s a whole lot of innovation and technology packed into a tiny cylinder.

Batteries that last longer mean you won’t have to discard them as often — good news for Mother Earth. And most of the ecological damage caused by improperly-disposed-of batteries comes from toxic, heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Lithium, on the other hand, is the lightest metal on earth so it’s less likely to contaminate water or soil. When you switch over to Energizer Ultimate Lithium, you’ll become part of the solution to pollution.

When you hit the lake or river this summer, don’t forget that safety is the combination of responsibility and performance. Carry lights that allow you to see and be seen by others, and always have extra batteries for them. For boaters, this means four lights: One for the bow, one for the stern, a powerful, hand-held model for reaching through fog and long-range illumination, and a headlamp for hands-free operation. You’ll also want to double-check any batteries for safety gear like radios or emergency lights, and especially your GPS. Learn more about Energizer here: http://www.energizer.com/