Author: WaterSportsFoundation

Video: Paddling Shorts Ep. 5 // File Your Plan

Let friends and family know where you’re going and when to expect you back. Paddling experts Kate and Paul Kuthe describe the basics of filing a float plan.

Video: Paddling Shorts Ep. 6 // Traffic Rules

Look both ways. In this 1-minute episode, paddling experts Paul and Kate Kuthe explain the basics of paddling in crowded waterways.

Video: Paddling Shorts Ep. 7 // What if I Flip?

It happens to the best of us. In this 1-minute episode, paddling experts Paul and Kate Kuthe explain what to do if you flip your kayak.

Video: Paddling Shorts Ep. 8 // Calling For Help

In this short episode, paddling experts Paul and Kate Kuthe describe how to use a marine radio to call for help from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Video: Stand Up Paddling Safety

Learn a few important ways to keep your stand up paddling experience as safe as possible.

Video: Kayak Fishing Safety Minute with Chad Hoover

Expert Chad Hoover takes one minute to talk a little kayak fishing safety.

Collision on the Chesapeake

What re-enacting the unlikeliest accident on Chesapeake Bay tells us about boating safety.

Video: Un paseo en bote / The Boat Ride (Radio Spot)

En este spot de radio, la Mamá otra vez hay que enseñar a Papá y la familia. ¿Que nos hace falta? ¿El perro? ¿Crema solar? ¡No, queridos–los chalecos salvavidas!

Video: ¡Porque los niños no saben nadar! / Because The Kids Can’t Swim! (Radio Spot)

As always, Mom knows best. In this Spanish-language radio spot, she gently reminds Dad that life jackets are more comfortable than he thought, and also that his children can’t swim. English subtitles available.

Video: La Nieta Sabia / The Wise Granddaughter (Radio Spot)

In this Spanish-language radio spot, a wise granddaughter tells her grandfather that the life jackets of today are lighter and more comfortable than ever, and most importantly—they save lives. (English subtitles available.)

Video: Shared Waterways – Safely Using America’s Resources

This video reminds boaters of all types, both commercial and recreational, from kayakers to shipping freighters that our nation’s waterways are a shared resource and that a certain level of responsibility to safely share our waterways is the duty of all boaters. See if the scenarios in this video remind you of your local waterway!

Video: Life Jackets and Seat Belts, It’s Your Choice

This creative video contrasts the societal norms of seat belt usage in cars against life jacket wear rates in boats but, it doesn’t matter which mode of transportation, once you’ve realized that you’re about to be in an accident, there’s no time to buckle up in a car or a boat. Watch how these two scenarios unfold.

Video: Phyllis Kopytko Accident/Engine Cut Off Switch

Boating accident survivor, Phyllis Kopytko, tells her harrowing story of how she and her husband were ejected from a speeding boat and then suddenly fighting for their lives as the boat circled them with no one on board. This real-life video re-enactment reminds boaters about basic boating safety such as always wearing an engine cutoff device and a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.

Video: Lake of the Ozarks Impairment

Watch for the first time as we see the lasting effects that impaired boating has on first responders as Lake of the Ozarks Missouri Highway Patrolmen share their insights on years of impaired boater accident investigations. Corporal Stacey Mosher (25 years with Missouri water patrol) reports that alcohol was involved in every fatal incident she’s investigated, so it’s important for boaters, just like drivers, to always designate a sober skipper.

Video: Balancing Act BUI PSA

This short, but very clever video depiction is an important reminder for boaters that operating a boat while impaired is dangerous and could be costly. It’s just not worth the risk!

Video: Super Hero Life Jacket

Life jackets save lives. Boaters should be reminded that accidents are not predictable and therefore a life jacket should be worn at all times while boating. Watch this humorous interaction between a father and a son while choosing their favorite life jacket before a day on the water.

Video: New Life Jacket Labels Explained

This informative video explains the Coast Guard’s new life jacket labeling system showing boaters exactly what the new label’s icons mean and how to choose a new life jacket.

Video: Properly Sizing Children’s Life Jacket

This creative animated video reminds boaters of how important it is to have a child’s life jacket fit properly. The U. S. Coast Guard approved video shows examples of life jackets that are too big and how they may slip off the child during an emergency.