Boating Safety 101

Getting out on the water in a boat to fish, play with water toys, or just for a pleasant cruise can be a lot of fun. It can also be dangerous and even fatal if something goes wrong. Whether you are going out on the ocean or a small inland lake, take safety seriously to ensure everyone gets back to shore safely.

Boating and Safety Statistics

Recreational boating can be hazardous. Poor planning, lack of boating safety education, storms, accidents, and more can lead to injuries and fatalities. U.S. Coast Guard statistics from 2022 show a clear picture of the potential risks and the need for safe practices:

• Total recreational boating accidents numbered 4,040 in 2022, a drop of 9% from 2021.
• There were 636 fatalities in 2022. This was a decrease of 3.3% from 2021.
• The leading contributing factor in fatal accidents was alcohol. It accounted for 16% of boating deaths in 2022.
• The cause of death was drowning in 75% of fatalities.
• Among drowning deaths, only 85% of people wore a life jacket.
• 74% of vessel operators involved in fatal accidents had no instruction in boating safety.
• The top causes of any type of recreational boating accident were operator inattention, inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed, and failed machinery.
• Total property damage related to recreational boating incidents totaled $63 million in 2022.

Before Going out on the Water

It’s not just what happens in the boat on the water that counts. Some of the most important aspects of boating safety occur before you go out.

Take a Boating Safety Course

Statistics show that most vessel operators involved in serious accidents didn’t take a boating safety course. This is a simple and easy way to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the water.

The U.S. Coast Guard lists courses and organizations that offer recommended safety programs all over the U.S. Some are general, while others are more specific, for instance, sailing safety. Boat-ed is a good resource that offers online courses approved by the Coast Guard and individual states.

Also, check with your state government. States have their own boating laws and approved safety programs. Ensure you know the laws for the state where you will be boating and any safety or licensing requirements.

Boating safety classes teach you how to safely operate a vessel and communicate with others. It provides information on reading weather forecasts and how to protect yourself in a storm or rough waters. It will also teach you how to respond to emergencies on the water.

Check the Weather

Weather can be problematic both on the coasts and in inland waters. Know the weather predictions for the day and any watches or storm warnings before getting on a boat.

The National Weather Service (NWS) provides accurate and up-to-date information for coastal waters, offshore areas, and local inland waterways. It’s especially important to pay attention to any watches or warnings:

• Marine Watch. The NWS issues a marine watch when conditions could lead to a storm or other incident. If you see a watch, prepare for bad weather and to head to shore quickly.
• Marine Warning. If the NWS issues a marine warning, it means bad conditions already exist or are imminent. It is too late to prepare for bad weather. Either avoid going out on the water or, if already there, take steps to protect yourself and others.

Check Your Equipment

Boat and equipment failures and lack of safety gear can cause incidents on the water. Check your boat to ensure it is safely operational before you go out every time. Check that the boat is stocked with enough wearable personal flotation devices (PFDs, or life jackets) for everyone aboard. Other safety equipment you should have includes:

• Throwable flotation devices
• Communication devices, including cell phones and radios for weather updates
• Fire extinguishers
• Visual distress signals, like flares
• Sound signaling devices, like whistles or horns
• Food and water
• A first-aid kit

Create a pre-boating checklist to make it easier to do regular safety checks. It should include safety gear, equipment checks, and ensuring you have enough gas.

While You’re on the Water

Preparation for a safe day on the water is the first step. Part of that preparation includes knowing how to stay safe when you’re out on the boat.

Operate Cautiously and Courteously

You should know how to operate a vessel before going out, but once on the water, use caution. As you would in a car on the road, obey speed limits, boating laws, and rights of way. Pay attention to other boaters and be respectful of them. Be aware of not just boats but also individual swimmers in the water.

One important reason to take a boating course is to learn how to operate within the rules. There are guidelines for the right of way of boats crossing each other’s paths or when overtaking. There are also communication rules. All of these are essential for everyone’s safety.

Avoid Drinking Alcohol

Operating a vessel while intoxicated is illegal and dangerous. An intoxicated operator is a leading factor in boating fatalities. One of the most important ways to keep boating safer is to stay sober. It’s also a good idea for others on the boat to remain within reasonable limits or avoid drinking.

Keep in mind that many people become intoxicated more quickly while boating. Factors that speed impairment include being out in the sun, getting overheated or dehydrated, and not eating enough.

Always Wear a Life Jacket

Most state laws only require that adults on boats have an approved PFD within reach on a boat, but consider wearing one. Even if you are a strong swimmer, wearing a PFD at all times on a boat is important for reducing the risks of injuries and fatalities.

Sudden and unexpected incidents can throw people from the boat. You could find yourself suddenly overboard. You might even hit your head and be unconscious in the water without a PFD.

Children must wear a life jacket at all times on a boat. This is a law in all 50 states. Be sure children have appropriately sized PFDs. Adult jackets will not provide adequate protection.

Keep an Eye on the Weather

Checking the weather before you head out is important but not enough. Keep checking the forecast regularly while out on the water. Weather can change rapidly and put the vessel and its occupants in danger.

If the forecast indicates bad weather is on the way, get to shore as soon as possible. If it’s too late to head in, take these steps to stay as safe as possible in a storm:

• Get everyone out of the water and into the boat. Even if it isn’t storming where you are, lightning can strike suddenly.
• Be sure everyone is wearing a life jacket.
• Stay in the center of the cabin. If the boat does not have a cabin, stay as low as possible. Keep arms and legs inside the boat until the danger has passed.
• Disconnect electrical equipment for the duration of a storm. Lower or tie down radio antennae.
• If anyone is struck by lightning, begin first aid and CPR immediately. There is no danger in touching someone who has been struck by lightning.

As soon as the storm has passed, check electronics, safety gear, and operational equipment. If anyone has been injured, head to shore as soon as possible while radioing for emergency help if necessary.

Inland Boating

A lot of boating occurs on inland lakes and waterways. These areas may seem safer than the oceans and coastal regions but still present significant risks. A person can drown in a lake, river, or even a shallow pond. Lakes can have rough waters and storms, just like coastal waters.

Know your state’s boating laws before you go out. Requirements may include boat licensing, an operator license, proof of completion of a safety course, and specific equipment on board the vessel.

Practice good boating safety, no matter the size of the craft or body of water. Follow all safety precautions and preparations. Stay aware and operate cautiously. Keep an eye on the weather and avoid alcohol.

Special Situations in Boating

Recreational boating safety practices are general and apply to all situations before going out and while on the water. Depending on where you go boating or the time of year, you might encounter situations that require special consideration.

Boating in Cold Water

Boating in cold water adds another layer of risk. An overboard fall in cold water can be dangerous and requires quick action. Bodies lose heat fast in cold water, and the temperature can be deceiving. A water temperature in the 50s might not seem that bad, but it can be as dangerous as water close to freezing.

Submersion in cold water affects heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. It can even cause cognitive impairment, leading to panic and poor decision-making. Ultimately, cold water can lead to hypothermia and be fatal.

Check water temperatures along with the weather before heading out on a boat. Be prepared with extra dry clothing in the event someone falls in. Wearing a life jacket is even more important in cold water. If you will be going in the water intentionally, have adequate clothing, such as a wet or dry suit.

Boating in Foggy Conditions

Fog is dangerous because it limits visibility. Like other kinds of weather on the water, fog can develop quickly, so be prepared. Make sure your vessel has working lights, for instance.

When you encounter fog in a boat, slow down and turn on lights. Stay alert and aware of lights and sounds from other boats. Use navigation systems if available on your boat. If not, stay in a safe area until the fog clears.

Overboard Incident

Even in nice water and weather conditions, an overboard fall can quickly become an emergency. If someone goes overboard, follow these steps:

• Cut the motor and slow the boat, or signal to the operator to do so while also alerting others on the boat.
• If the person who fell does not have a life jacket, throw them a PFD.
• Slowly maneuver the boat back to the overboard victim and cut the engine when you get close.
• Use a reaching device to help pull the person to the side of the boat.
• Assist them back onto the boat, using a reboarding device if necessary.
• Do not get into the water to assist someone unless there is no other option.

Recreational boating is a beloved summer pastime that should be safe and enjoyable for everyone. Accidents are possible but also preventable. Take precautions, learn safety procedures, and practice smart boating to reduce the risks to yourself, passengers, and other boaters on the water.