Safety
Each year hundreds of lives are lost . . .
thousands are injured . . . and millions
of dollars of property damage occurs because
of preventable recreational boating
accidents on U.S. waterways. Too often
pleasure outings turn tragic. You—as a
boat operator, passenger, or concerned
individual—can make a difference.
Vessel Safety Check
Learn how a free vessel safety check
can help you navigate through problem
situations.
Boating Safety Courses
Operator errors account for 70% of|
boating accidents—take a course.
Going Paddling—
Know your Limits!
Whether you are sea-kayaking, standup
paddle-boarding, canoeing, or kayaking,
check out these safety tips from the
American Canoe Association.
Carbon Monoxide
Educate yourself about this potentially
lethal boating danger.
Life Jacket Wear/
Wearing Your Life Jacket
The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life
jackets could have saved the lives of over
80 percent of boating fatality victims.
As a boat operator, you’re in command
of the safety of your passengers.
But accidents can, and do happen with
terrifying speed on the water. There’s
rarely time to reach stowed life jackets.
The U.S. Coast Guard challenges you
and your passengers to wear your life
jacket all the time while underway.
Float Planning
Why should you take the time to prepare
a float plan? The answer is simple. . .
there are just too many facts that need to
be accurately remembered and ultimately
conveyed in an emergency situation.
BUI Initiatives
The risk is high and the consequences
severe — know the dangers and avoid
being a victim of boating under the
influence (BUI).
Accident Reporting
The U.S. Coast Guard hopes that you’re
never involved in a boating accident.
But Federal Law requires you as the
operator to file a boating accident report
with your State reporting authority if
you are.