Boating Safety

Wear your life jacket

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities and that 83 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

When selecting a life jacket, a boater should check that it is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for the water activity, fits properly and then actually wear it. A stowed life jacket is no help in an emergency.

Tips for safe boating

• Take a boating safety course before you head out.
• Get a free vessel safety check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons.
• File a float plan with someone on shore: where you are going, who is aboard, and when you will be back.
• Use your engine cut-off switch, as required by law.
• Check the weather before and during your trip.
• Stay attentive: operator inattention is a leading cause of accidents.
• Know your route and stay within posted speed and no-wake zones.
• Never boat under the influence. Alcohol is involved in about a third of boating fatalities.
• Carry more than one way to call for help (VHF radio, cell phone, and ideally a satellite device).

Learn more

Find courses and resources at SafeBoatingCampaign.com.