What is National Safe Boating Week? 9 Safety Tips for Boaters

Responsible boaters know that safety is a priority every time they launch a boat for a day on the water. National Safe Boating Week is an annual campaign that promotes safe boating to reduce water-related accidents.

This year, the week runs May 17 – 23, 2025, just before the peak boating season in many areas. 

Here's what you need to know about how this campaign can increase boater safety and help you have more fun on the water.

What is National Boating Safety Week?

The National Safe Boating Council and other agencies organize this annual awareness event to encourage boaters to adopt safer practices and follow regulations. The event includes educational programs, community outreach activities, and other experiences that teach people about safe boating.

If you've never participated in a boating week event before, now could be a great time to start getting involved. Whether you participate every year to encourage others or you're just getting started on your boating adventure, you can be a part of helping other vessel owners stay safe on the water. 

What's the Message for Boaters During National Safe Boating Week?

Several valuable messages are widely promoted during the week, including the "Wear It!" campaign, which emphasizes the importance of life jackets.

Additionally, the Safe Boating Campaign spreads awareness about operating under the influence (OUI) regulations and the value of knowledge gained through boating safety courses during Safe Boating Week. 

9 Tips for Boaters to Stay Safe

During National Safe Boating Week and throughout the year, there are great ways to protect yourself while boating. Not only can you help keep yourself and your passengers safe, but you'll also be setting an excellent example for other boaters.

Here are nine tips for staying safe this week (and any time you experience the waterways by boat)!

1. Always Wear a Life Jacket

Life jackets truly do save lives.

To keep yourself and others safe, choose U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. These are designed to provide support and flotation, and you can be sure they meet essential quality standards.

You should also inspect your life jackets regularly and replace any that are damaged.

2. Take a Boating Safety Course

A boating safety course (like the ones we offer here through Boat-Ed) will teach you about navigation rules, emergency procedures, and equipment handling, among other things. Many states also require boaters to pass a course to boat on their waters legally.

Even if you've taken a course in the past, it's always good to refresh your skills and stay up-to-date with changing requirements.

3. Check Your Boat Before You Go

A pre-departure checklist, including engine inspection and safety equipment, is a good idea every time you take your boat to the dock. It's much better to catch an issue before leaving the dock or boat ramp, in case you need to make a repair or adjustment.

Failing to maintain your boat or not having the proper safety equipment on board could put you and your passengers at risk.

4. Know the Local Weather Conditions

Checking the weather forecast before you head out for a day of boating is critical. Along with that, though, you want to ensure you're prepared for sudden weather changes.

Staying alert and aware during your boating adventure is the best choice, even on a clear, sunny day.

5. Avoid Alcohol While Boating

Alcohol is a leading cause of boating accidents.

It can impair your judgment, and many states don't allow drinking while boating. So, if you want to consume alcohol on your boat, make sure you designate a sober captain and understand the laws regarding when you can and can't drink onboard. 

6. Use Proper Navigation Lights

Boat navigation lights are a requirement, and they need to work correctly.

Before hitting the water, make sure they're functioning, especially when boating at night or in low visibility, to ensure that other boaters can see you. If you don't have proper lighting, you could be at fault in an accident that could have been easily avoided.

7. Have a Float Plan

A float plan is a crucial aspect of safe boating.

Before you leave the dock, share your trip details, such as your destination, planned route, and expected return time, with a trusted person on land. This makes it easier for rescuers to find you if something goes wrong. 

8. Don't Overload the Boat

It can be tempting to invite too many people onto your boat. The more the merrier, right?

Unfortunately, packing the boat with too many people or supplies can put you at risk of overloading and even capsizing. It's essential to know your boat's capacity and stay within it to stay afloat and keep everyone safe.  

9. Equip Your Boat with Essential Safety Gear

Include items like fire extinguishers, signaling devices, and a first aid kit on your boat — not just during National Boating Safety Week. You should always have critical safety items on your boat because you never know when you might need them in an emergency. 

Start Boater Safety Week with a Boater Safety Course

Participation in Boater Safety Week events and programs is an excellent way to protect yourself and encourage other boaters to do the same. It's also vital to remember that safety isn't just a week-long focus. It's a year-round responsibility all boaters should take seriously. 

Get started on boating safety best practices by taking a boater education course. Taking an online course through Boat-Ed will help you understand navigation rules, boating etiquette, the importance of maintenance, and other aspects of using and enjoying your boat to protect yourself and others on the water.

Plus, Boat-Ed courses meet your state's requirements for boater education. Our course for Canadians also meets Transport Canada's boater safety requirements for boating in Canada.

Before you hit the water this season, take the course for your state or our course for Canadian boaters!