Life Jacket Use is the Key to Boating Safety

Many safe-boating advocates are wearing a life jacket to work today. The reason? With National Safe Boating Week beginning this weekend, it’s a fun reminder how vital personal flotation devices are to saving lives on the water.

"Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day" on May 16 is an unofficial kickoff to the week by the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.

National Safe Boating Week runs May 17-23.

Top 10 Tips for Boating Safety

The U.S. Coast Guard says drowning is the reported cause of death in three out of every four recreational boating fatalities, and that 87 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 and fits properly.

The National Safe Boating Council recommends these tips for boaters:

1. Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters.
2. Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition.
3. Make a float plan. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board before you leave the dock.
4. Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket – every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency.
5. Use an engine cut-off switch – it’s the law. An engine cut-off switch is a proven safety device to stop a powerboat engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.
6. Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion.
7. Know what’s going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating incidents in 2022 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.
8. Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones, and always travel at a safe speed.
9. Never boat under the influence. A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper.
10. Keep in touch. Have more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency.

The Safe Boating Campaign is produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The campaign offers a variety of free and paid resources to support local boating safety education efforts. Learn more at www.safeboatingcampaign.com.

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