May 16-22 is National Safe Boating Week (NSBW), and with boating season on the horizon, it’s important to remember how to be safe on the water. Here are six safety tips for recreational boaters:
Wear a life jacket
There’s a reason that National Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day is always the kickoff to NSBW. Wearing a lifejacket 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 a Coast Guard-approved wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for every person aboard their vessel, with boats over 16 feet required to carry a throwable flotation device. You can find more on these requirements in the Boater’s Guide to Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats.
Take a boating safety course
Knowing what you’re doing on the water makes all the difference. 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.
Use your engine cut-off switch (ECOS)
An ECOS 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 navigable U.S. waters. If you’re wearing one and you’re thrown from the boat, or fall away from the operating area, the engine will automatically shut off. This will prevent you from getting injured by the propeller if you’re in the water and make it easier to safely get back on the boat. You can find more information on ECOS devices here.
Don’t drink and boat
Alcohol is the single biggest contributing factor in boating deaths. That’s why it’s critical to stay sober while operating a boat.
Register your emergency beacon
Your emergency beacon can save your life; when every minute counts, it helps rescuers find you quickly. You can register online on the NOAA website.
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 compliant 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.
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