WSF Blogs

Top 10 Boating Safety Tips for the Busy 2022 Season

With a 35% increase in new boat ownership and 415,000 new boaters taking to the waterways since 2020, boating participation will reach historic levels of participation this summer, says Water Sports Foundation Executive Director Jim Emmons. With the Memorial Day holiday traditionally serving as the kick-off to summer boating activity, Emmons says the Water Sports […]

Surge in Paddlesports Accidents Likely Due to Lack of Safety Training

A record 37.9 million participants engaged in paddlesports like kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding during the pandemic according to the latest data (2020) from the Outdoor Foundation. This pandemic surge brought an estimated 2.5 million new paddlers to American waterways. However, it increased accidents to 331 and fatalities to a record high 202 – accounting […]

WSF Reports Trend Toward Greater Participation in Online Boater Education Since Pandemic

According to the Water Sports Foundation, there’s been a major surge in boater education enrollment across the nation since the Pandemic, marked by new online delivery trends. The WSF attributes the surge to record-setting growth in recreational boating activity and a 35% increase in first-time boat ownership in 2020, brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. […]

Water Sports Foundation Campaign Wins National Boating Industry Safety Award

Southold, NY, December 8, 2021 – The Sea Tow Foundation and its Boating Safety Advisory Council announced six winners today of their National Boating Industry Safety Awards which recognizes the best boating safety work in the for-profit section of the recreational boating industry. Sponsored for the second year by KICKER Marine Audio, the six top […]

Water Sports Foundation’s Tips for a Fun and Safe Holiday Boat Parade

ORLANDO, Fla. — December 2, 2021 — Whether you’re a spectator or a participant, nighttime boat parades featuring festive lights and creative boat and yacht displays can be one of the most fun and memorable traditions of the entire holiday season. From San Francisco’s famous Fisherman’s Wharf Holiday Lights & Sights Boat Parade to the […]

Top Boating Tips to Safely Navigate Busy Fourth of July Festivities Including Fireworks Shows, Group Raft-Ups

Throughout the country, boaters are expected to cruise to popular gathering spots this Fourth of July weekend with friends and family, with plans to raft up, drop anchor and swim, enjoy barbecues and cap off festivities with spectacular fireworks celebrations.

12 Top Boating Safety Tips for the Busy Summer Boating Season

With new and used boat sales soaring to record highs in 2020 to first-time boat buyers, boating safety stakeholders are taking extra measures to communicate and promote safe boating practices in advance of the busy summer boating season.

All About Engine Cut-Off Switches: The $20 Device that Saves Boater’s Lives Is Now Required By Federal Law

An engine cut-off switch is one of the most essential boating safety devices. Also called a “safety lanyard” or “engine kill switch,” it’s designed to shut off a boat’s engine if the operator is thrown from the helm.

A Beginner’s Guide to Safer Paddling: 8 Tips for Success

Paddling is one of the fastest growing segments of the recreational and outdoor market. With easy access to water throughout the country and a plethora of affordable kayaks, paddleboards and canoes on the market, most anyone can set off on a wonderful adventure and enjoy the benefits of life on the water and the great outdoors.

Emerging Trends/Recreational Boating: Boaters Now Have Access to a Wealth of Live, Hybrid or Virtual Education Options

In 2020, the recreational marine industry enjoyed a significant boon in first-time boaters and boat ownership. Boating has emerged as a go-to antidote to the Coronavirus, with thousands of families turning to boating to satisfy the pent-up demand for safe, leisure activities and enjoyable entertainment.

A Cocktail for Disaster: What Reporters Need to Know About Drinking, Drugs and Boating Under the Influence

Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is the number-one cause of boating deaths and injuries in the United States and accounts for hundreds of millions of dollars in damages every year, according to U.S. Coast Guard recreational boating reports.

Keeping Journalists Afloat: The Latest News, Trends and Insights About Life Jackets and Boating Safety

Reporters covering boating accidents know to ask about life jackets, because the question goes to the How and Why of fatal accidents and miracle survival stories alike. But the deeper context can be harder to capture, especially on a short deadline…