Memorial Day weekend produces more boating fatalities than almost any other weekend of the year. According to the USCG Recreational Boating Statistics, May, June, and July consistently rank as the deadliest months on the water — and the U.S. Coast Guard widely recognizes Memorial Day…
National Safe Boating Week 2026 is May 16–22, marking the annual, official kickoff of the Safe Boating Campaign just before Memorial Day weekend. The campaign promotes safe, responsible boating, emphasizing the importance of wearing life jackets, checking safety gear, and taking a boater education course.
New Hampshire requires operators 16+ to pass a NASBLA-approved boater safety course if operating a boat with 25 hp or more, or any ski craft, and to carry their card on board. You can take the boat-ed course online, which typically takes 4-8 hours, though individuals…
If you're a Florida resident who was born on or after January 1, 1988, you'll need to get a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card. This certification is often informally called a "boating license," and it's the document you need to legally operate a motorized…
If you plan to rent a boat to enjoy Lake of the Ozarks, you'll need to get a temporary boating license to legally operate a motorized watercraft. You'll also want to carefully review rental agreements and inspect the vessel closely before signing a contract to…
