Get Ready for the Season During National Safe Boating Week

With Memorial Day just around the corner, we’re all percolating plans for where we want to cruise this season.  To ensure we reach our dream destinations without worry or incident, prudent boaters add safety checks to the mix. 

It’s no coincidence that National Safe Boating Week happens on May 18-24 before we take off for the holiday. Responsible boating became a national concern decades ago and lead to President Eisenhower enacting the Federal Safe Boating Act of 1958 that responded to the rise in recreational boating across America’s waterways.  

This Act eventually helped establish the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC).  Its The Safe Boating Campaign spreads global boating safety awareness and is produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration & Boating Trust Fund and administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The annual Safe Boating Campaign kicks off in May and continues with activities and education throughout the year. 

To make sure your vessel is in ship shape and your crew is prepared for whatever comes your way, check out the following National Safe Boating Week events and helpful resources.

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EVENTS

Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day

Safe Boating Campaign

Nationwide, May 17

This annual campaign is a fun, educational way to increase life jacket awareness and highlight the various styles. Compete for prizes by posting the most creative social media photos with different life jacket styles, boats, settings and whatever you can come up with! 

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Safe Boating Week Demo Days

MarineMax Huntington

Huntington, NY, May 18-19

This Long Island town hosts the ninth annual Huntington Waterfront Festival & Craft Fair on May 19 showcasing boats, equipment, boating supplies, handmade crafts and more. After the festival, head over to West Shore Marina as MarineMax Huntington celebrates Safe Boating Week with demo rides on your favorite models featuring brands such as Aquila, Aviara, Boston Whaler, Sea Ray and more.

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Safe Boating with the Coast Guard at Headquarters Regional Library

Collier County Public Library

Naples, FL, May 21

Celebrate National Safe Boating Week with the U.S. Coast Guard as they provide free safety demonstrations at the public library.

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HELPFUL INFO

Safety Courses & Resources

• Take the National Association of Boating Law Administrators safety course
• View Boat On Course educational safety videos from the National Safe Boating Council
• Search by state for free online boating safety courses from The BoatUS Foundation
• Check out Sea Tow Foundation’s resources:
  Life Jacket Loaner Program
  Sober Skipper Campaign
  Flare Education
  Boating Safety Advisory Council & National Boating Safety Awards

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Equipment Check

• Get a free vessel safety check with your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron
• Use an engine cut-off switch — it’s the law! Learn more info from the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division
• Read Marinalife’s helpful Captain’s Tips:
  Preparing for Emergencies on the Water
  Boater Safety Education
  Life Rafts: An Offshore Necessity
• View Marinalife’s recent article on top picks for Safety & Emergency Products

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Be sure to check out the industry’s preeminent advocacy event, the American Boating Congress, held in Washington, DC, May 8 – 10. This conference brings together recreational boating and fishing leaders to advocate for policy priorities.