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As we kick the boating season into high gear, waterways become busier, and while fun is bound to happen during the next few months — so are more accidents. National Safe Boating Week is honored each May to start the boating season with important reminders to practice safe cruising.
National Safe Boating Week takes place May 17 – 23, 2025, right on time for peak season. Organizations such as The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) honors the week with safety campaigns and education. In partnership with the United States Coast Guard (USCG), NSBC recently hosted the International Boating & Water Safety Summit this April, an annual training event and conference promoting and celebrating boat safety.
According to the USCG, the latest Recreational Boating Statistics report noted that 75% of boating-related fatalities involved drowning, with 87% of those victims not wearing a life jacket.
Captain Phil Gauthier, USCG-licensed and certified instructor based out of Annapolis, MD, says even the best swimmers should prepare for the worst. “Many people don’t realize they may not be able to swim to safety due to an injury incurred while falling overboard,” says Gauthier.
Join the Safe Boating Campaign, an NSBC program and worldwide effort to promote the importance and encouragement of wearing life jackets on the water. Become a partner and help advocate by finding partners in your local community to amplify the message and promote life jacket safety.
Several nationwide organizations promote advocacy and educational resources such as Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program and Sober Skipper Campaign. Check out the life jacket loaner map for a location near you or join the community in taking the Sober Skipper Pledge!
Boatinglessons.com connects recreational boaters with qualified and licensed USCG captains to provide on-the-water training courses and safety education. The website allows you to search an extensive database of captains across the East Coast.
Captain James R. Noel, USCG-licensed and certified instructor says, “To better prepare for accident prevention, there are several focus points: get educated, announce location of safety items to crew and passengers, and slow down!”
“The more you know, the better prepared you will be, and informing your crew where to access life jackets, first-aid kits, fire extinguishers and radios does wonders for your journey,” says Noel. “Visibility is everything on the water — your head needs to be on a swivel, and always know where you are and what is around at all times.”
Visit boatinglessons.com to book with Captain Gauthier or Captain Noel.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons offer certified vessel examiners who will perform a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) on your boat! There is no charge and no consequences if you don't pass. The goal is simply to help make boating as safe as possible through education.
Life Jacket Association Annual Conference - Wilmington, NC, May 12 – 14
Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day - Nationwide, May 16
Huntington Safe Boating Week & Waterfront Festival - Huntington, NY, May 17 – 23 (festival on May 18)
Operation Dry Water - Nationwide, July 4 – 6
Safety Courses — Boat On Course
NSBC — Let’s Go Boating! Kids Activity Book
NSBC — The ABCs of Boating Coloring Book
Safe Kids Worldwide — Boating Safety Tips
Boater Kids — Boating Safety Tips Resources
Children’s Safety Network — Boating Safety Info
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
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