safety

Recreational Boating Statistics 2023

An annual compilation of recreational boating statistics in the United States, compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard using data supplied by the U.S. states and territories.

Recreational Boating Statistics 2022

An annual compilation of recreational boating statistics in the United States, compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard using data supplied by the U.S. states and territories.

The USNWSAP Has Officially Launched

We are very excited to announce the launch of the inaugural U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan! The USNWSAP provides a national roadmap for collective action to reduce drowning in the United States and aims to unite the water safety community to help put an end to preventable drowning tragedies nationwide. The launch of the […]

Holiday Boating Tips

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 barbeques and cap off festivities with spectacular fireworks celebrations.

Recreational Boating Statistics 2021

An annual compilation of recreational boating statistics in the United States, compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard using data supplied by the U.S. states and territories. Recreational Boating Statistics 2020 was released on June 30, 2021. New reports are published in early summer using certified data from the previous year.

Choosing Life Jackets for Kids

Five things to look for in life jackets for kids. By now, most boaters should be familiar with the statistics. Life jackets save lives, but only if you wear them. Fortunately, today’s offerings are more comfortable than ever. While most adults can easily find a life jacket that does the job, selecting a kid’s jacket […]

Rescue at Pictured Rocks: Reader’s Digest Version

It was meant to be another boys’ trip, the latest in a tradition that stretched back more than two decades. It soon became an epic fight for survival.

Kayakers Fight for Survival On Lake Superior

One by one, the three kayakers capsized in the cold, angry water. Then they became separated. It was meant to be another boys’ trip, the latest in a tradition that stretched back more than two decades. Every other year, the old friends—Jim Farrington, 49, an electrical lineman in Alden, Michigan; Sean Royston, 47, an electrical grid systems manager […]

Boating Safety Tips for Fall Boating

Annapolis, Md., Sept. 07, 2022 – Fall boating season has arrived, and with it come different types of risks that cold water and air temperatures bring. Here are three boating safety tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water just right for leaf peeping season. A float plan is needed: A float […]

New Boating Instruction Standards

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) in July published updated American National Standards for sailing, paddling and on-water instruction in human-propelled boating. The ABYC published an updated standard for on-water instruction in entry-level powerboat operation in December. The standards maintenance process takes place every five years to ensure standards remain current and relevant. Two […]

Hundreds of Thousands of New Boaters and Paddlers Expected Fourth of July Weekend

Millions of boaters are expected to head out on the water this Fourth of July weekend, including more than 830,000 first time boat buyers who purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in crowds coupled with the number of inexperienced new boaters has caught the attention of the Water Sports Foundation. “While we are […]

Hundreds of Thousands of New Boaters and Paddlers Expected Fourth of July Weekend

Water Sports Foundation offers seven safety tips for sharing waterways with inexperienced boaters ORLANDO, Fla., June 14, 2022 –Millions of boaters are expected to head out on the water this Fourth of July weekend, including more than 830,000 first time boat buyers who purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in crowds coupled with the […]

National Safe Boating Week, May 21-27: 3 Safety Changes You Need To Know Provided by BoatUS Foundation

ANNAPOLIS, Md., May 9, 2022 – National Safe Boating Week arrives May 21–27 with an annual reminder for boaters to champion recreational boating safety all summer long. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water suggests that boat owners need to know about three recent U.S. Coast Guard regulations that have changed, what’s needed to be […]

Sea Tow Foundation Offers Free Resource Kit for National Safe Boating Week

Southold, NY, April 25, 2022 – In an effort to maximize the potential for positive boating safety messaging prior to the busy boating season, the Sea Tow Foundation has created a National Safe Boating Week Resource Kit available free of charge to marine industry stakeholders. The kit offers instructions on how to share a wealth […]

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 […]

As Record Numbers of Paddlers Take to The Water, Accidents Surge

More than one-third of victims had less than 10 hours experience in paddlesports; experts cited lack of safety training as an important contributing factor ORLANDO, Fla. – April 12, 2022 – 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 […]

Engine Cutoff Switch Law

Video courtesy of the United States Coast Guard

4 Reasons to Take Boating Safety Courses

Boating safety courses contain a great deal of valuable information. Requirements and content vary by state so visit your state’s boater education web pages and check what boat safety courses are needed, if any. For example, Idaho and Alaska do not require boating safety education but in other states factors such as operator age and boat […]