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Commentary | May 16, 2025

Six ways to stay safe on the water this summer

By Kathy Murray, Senior Writer, MyCG

It’s National Safe Boating Week (NSBW) and with Memorial Day around the corner, there’s no better time to focus on how to stay safe out on the water this season.  Here are six things the Coast Guard says all recreational boaters should do: 

  1. Wear a life jacket. There’s a reason that National Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day is always the kickoff to NSBW. Donning personal flotation device (PFD) is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself while on the water.  Each year, 75 percent of boating deaths are due to drowning and 87 percent of those victims weren’t wearing life jackets. Don’t become a statistic. Most states require children under 13 to wear a life jacket, and it is recommended that anyone older than that wear one as well. Boat operators are required by law to have enough Coast Guard-approved life vests for every adult on board their vessel, with boats over 16 feet required to carry a throwable flotation device. You can find more on PFD requirements in the Boater’s Guide to Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats.  

  1. Take a boating safety course – Knowing what you’re doing on the water makes all the difference. Boater error is the leading cause of accidents and 75 percent of these accidents involve boaters who haven’t taken safety instruction. Look for a course that is You can find Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety classes in your area here.  Or go to the U.S. Power Squadrons website to find an America’s Boating Club course near you.  You can find the boating laws in your state in this reference guide and get a copy of Coast Guard navigational rules for U.S. waterways here. There is also updated information on requirements for fire extinguishers.  

  1. Use your engine cut-off switch (ECOS) link – This link is usually a coiled bungee cord lanyard clipped to the operator’s life jacket or clothing with the other end connected to the cut-off switch, but there are now electric wireless models, too. Since 2021, an ECOS link has been required by law for anyone operating a boat in U.S. navigable waters. If you’re wearing one and you’re ejected from the boat, or fall away from the operating area, the engine will automatically shut off. This can not only prevent you from getting injured by the propeller if you’re in the water, but make it easier to safely get back on the boat. You can find more information on ECOS devices here. 

  1. Don’t drink and boat.  Alcohol remains the single biggest contributing factor in boating deaths.  Last year, 17% of boating fatalities involved drinking. It’s critical to stay sober while operating a boat. Coast Guard units are encouraged to support Operation Dry Water from July 4–6 to help combat impaired boating. 

  1. Register your emergency beacon. This helps rescuers find you quickly in an emergency. You can register online on the NOAA website.   

  1. Get a free vessel safety check.  The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free vessel safety checks to all boaters. Inspectors can do them in your driveway or in the water and it takes 15-30 minutes. When you pass, you’ll not only have peace of mind that your boat is in compliance with federal and state law, but you may get a discount on your insurance. If you fail, the Coast Guard will not issue a citation, but you’ll be given a list of discrepancies with recommendations on how to correct them. You can schedule an inspection here. 

To find out more about safe boating, check out this FAQ from the US Coast Guard Boating Organization. 

 

-USCG- 

Resources: 

feature news National Safe Boating Week NSBW safety

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